Innovative alternative cultivation systems for soil-bound cut flowers

The project 'Innovative alternative cultivation systems for soil-bound cut flowers' focuses on the development of a low-emission cultivation system. The project builds on previous research into the floating cultivation of chrysanthemums, but in addition to chrysanthemums, other ground-bound cut flowers are now also being explored.

A large number of cut flowers have now been tested on a floating cultivation system and in the next phase the research will focus on two or three of the most promising crops. Lisianthus and Matricaria have a good chance of being selected for the next phase and plans are currently being made to set up separate trial greenhouses for these crops. Both cut flowers were repeatedly able to complete a cultivation cycle on water, producing a promising quality end product.

Other cut flowers such as Delphinium, Alchemilla, sweet potato, ornamental cabbage, snapdragon and Ammi also showed good development in water. Violier and Campanula are able to form roots in water, but their development was too volatile compared to the other crops to put them on the candidate list for the next phase. The development of Trachelium on water was downright disappointing. Asters, carnations and sunflowers are also expected to be tested on water in the coming months.

In the case of chrysanthemums, research is now focusing on the effects of flow during rooting and the effect of pH and ammonium on color and production. In addition, work is being done on the design of one of a company that grows on water on chrysanthemums. The suitability of varieties for cultivation in water is also receiving more and more attention.