Effect of different nitrogen-potassium concentrations on growth and flowering of chrysanthemum in a drip hydroponic system

Different concentrations of Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) at vegetative and flowering stages were evaluated to optimizing their levels for high quality performance of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. cv. 'Mother Teresa' grown in soilless media mixture (cocopeat: perlite: vermiculite D 3: 1: 1) in a non-recovery drip hydroponic system. The treatments consisted of five nutrient solution concentrations (NSC), having N (50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 ppm) and K levels (40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 ppm) during vegetative stage, whereas during reproductive stage, the N and K levels were 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 ppm, and 60, 110, 160, 210 and 260 ppm, respectively. The performance of chrysanthemum improved with increasing levels of N-K concentration. The nutrient concentration (NSC-V) of N-250 + K-200 during vegetative and N-200 + K-260 during reproductive stage produced highest (153) number of flowers, plant height (31.5 cm), plant canopy (35 cm) and flower sprays (21) per plant proved to be the best treatment.