Articles
EFFECT OF SOIL HEATING AND SPACING ON GERBERA FLOWERING
Gerberas of Barberet selection were transplanted on 28 May 1974, in benches with and without soil heating at a spacing of 8 plants per m2 and 16 plants per m2.
The performance of plants in relation to the production of cut-flowers (quantity and quality) was observed for three half-year beginning from the flowering (November 1974).
In the first half-year, correspondent to the first winter, the soil heating increased the number of flowers per m2 in respect to not heated soil and the plant density influenced the flowering only in not heated soil.
In the third half year, correspondent to the second winter, the soil heating affected the production only at 8 plants per m2 and not at 16. Also the total production was influenced by heating only at 8 plants per m2.
The production of flowers in the second winter was higher, in respect to the first winter, but the stem length the diameter of the flowers and n. of ligules per flower decreased.
This modification did not appear important from the commercial point of view.
We consider therefore biennial cultivation in bench with 16 plants per m2 a good solution for the winter flowers production, if minimum air temperature of 14°C is guaranted also without basal heating.