Abstract. The Tagetes patula marigold was cultivated in balcony-boxes filled with a peat substrate. During cultivation two fertilizers, Osmocote Plus and VitroFosMaK at four different doses, were used. The effect of fertilization on the flowering dynamics, as well as the total number of inflorescences and the nutritional status of the plants were evaluated.

The use of Osmocote and VitroFosMaK
in Tagetes patula cultivation

Summary

The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of Osmocote Plus and VitroFosMaK, applied at the doses of 2.6, 3, 3.8 and 6 g·dm^-3, on the flowering and nutritional status of Tagetes patula. The plants were grown in a peat substrate, in 11 dm³ boxes. During cultivation the fully developed inflorescences were counted for each plant. All the objects showed similar flowering dynamics. The greatest number of inflorescences was noticed in marigolds fertilized with Osmocote and 6 g VitroFosMaK·dm^-3 of the substrate. To evaluate the nutritional status of the plants, the leaves’ analysis was conducted at the end of cultivation, showing the greatest amount of mineral nitrogen and the lowest content of phosphorus and magnesium in the leaves of marigolds grown in the substrate fertilized with Osmocote.