Use of species-specific controlled-release fertilizer rates to manage growth and quality of container nursery crops

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) application rates or ranges for the production of five 2-gal nursery crops. Plants were evaluated following fertilization with 19N-2.6P-10.8K plus minors, 8-9 month CRF incorporated at 0.15, 0.45, 0.75, 1.05, 1.35, and 1.65 kg-m-3 nitrogen (N). The five crops tested were bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), ‘Green Velvet’ boxwood (Buxus x), ‘Magic Carpet’ spirea (Spiraea japónica), ‘Palace Purple’ coral bells (Heuchera micrantha), and rose of sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). Most plant growth characteristics (i.e., growth index, plant height, leaf area, and shoot dry weight) were greater in high vs. low CRF treatments at the final harvest. Low CRF rates negatively impacted overall appearance and marketability. The species-specific CRF range recommendations were 1.05 to 1.35 kg-m-3 N for rose of sharon, 0.75 to 1.05 kg-m-3 N for ‘Magic Carpet’ spirea, and 0.75 to 1.35 kg-m-3 N for bigleaf hydrangea and ‘Green Velvet’ boxwood, whereas the recommended CRF rate for ‘Palace Purple’ coral bells was 0.75 kg-m-3 N. Overall, species-specific CRF application rates can be used to manage growth and quality of containerized nursery crops during production in a temperate climate.