2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Geographic location and abiotic factors can affect flowering time, thus it is important to trial plants in different regions and even specific areas within a region. The objective of this study was to determine first color dates of Gediflora mums in Oklahoma. On 2 June 2016, 78 cultivars of unrooted mums were received and rooted with 1,000 ppm Hormex rooting powder and placed under mist in a greenhouse. On 27 June 2016, rooted cuttings were planted one per 20 cm diameter mum pots with BM7 media at The Botanic Gardens at Oklahoma State University. Plants were fertigated with 15-5-15 Peters Excel Cal Mag at 250 ppm until 2 Aug 2016 then the fertilizer was reduced to 150 ppm. On 21 July 2016, 907.2 g MgSo and 113.4 g of S.T.E.M was added to the fertilizer tank. Plants were drip irrigated twice daily as needed. Starting on 12 July 2016, Conserve was applied weekly to control caterpillers. In all, 45% of the plants trialed first started showing color within 7 days either before or after of proposed flowering dates given for the Southern region. Of which, ‘Akilon Pink’, Adiva Purple’, ‘Destino Orange’, Amadora Red’, ‘Conella Yellow’, ‘Savora’, ‘Rhinos Orange’, ‘Aluga White’, and ‘Veritas Orange’ all flowered on or within a day of proposed date. Thirty-five cultivars flowered in the range of 8 to 14 days. ‘Amiko Violet’, ‘Jasoda Yellow’, ‘Amiko Bronze’, ‘Amiko White’, ‘Mefisto Purple’, and ‘Dark Veria’ flowered 15 to 19 days earlier. ‘Fiora Pink’ and ‘Akilon Gold’ flowered 15 and 19 days later than expected, respectively.