Aster ericoides is a cut flower crop with great market and production potential that was only recently introduced into Brazil. Thus, little information is available regarding fertilization and nutrition under tropical conditions. The growth, dry matter production and nutrient absorption of Aster ericoides (cv. White Master) cultivated in an UDOX soil under greenhouse conditions was evaluated. Seedlings were transplanted 30 days after sowing date, in October 99. Plant samples were taken at 15; 30; 45; 60; 75; 90 and 96 days after transplanting. Plant growth and dry matter production were slow in the beginning but at 60 days (before flowering) 69% of the height, 27% of the top and 50% of the roots dry matter was reached. Plants reached 137 cm in height and 24.21 g of dry weight at the end of cycle. Flowering began after 75 to 90 days after transplanting date. Macronutrients uptake (kg ha-1) at 96 days was 316,32 of K > 230,52 N > 35,30 P > 18,39 S > 16,12 Mg > 8,57 Ca and micronutrients uptake (g ha-1) was 3464,89 Mn > 1603,23 Fe > 1104 Zn > 308 B > 61 Cu.
Nutrition; floriculture; ornamental plants
