This work aimed to evaluate growth and production characteristics of four potted gerbera cultivars fertigated with two nutrient solutions. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse from May to July 2006 at UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. Experimental design was in randomized blocks in a 4x2 factorial arrangement, with 4 gerbera cultivars (Cherry, Golden Yellow, Salmon Rose and Orange) and 2 nutrient solutions. The plants were cultivated in 1.3L pots filled with substrate composed of 70% fine pinus bark and 30% subsoil earth. Leaf number and plant diameter were weekly evaluated throughout the culture cycle; leaf area and dry phytomass at the end of vegetative and reproductive periods; and time needed for production, inflorescence number, inflorescence diameter, and plant stem and height at commercialization point. The cultivars presented different responses to growth characteristics: Salmon Rose and Cherry presented higher shoot formation; Golden Yellow and Orange were more compact. At commercialization point, only height, inflorescence diameter and stem varied among cultivars. Both nutrient solutions were effective to produce high-quality plants.
Gerbera jamesonii; floriculture; fertigation; plant nutrition
