The aim of the conducted studies was to evaluate the effect of the application of slow-release fertilizers Osmocote Exact Hi-K 3-4 M (11 : 11 : 18) and Osmocote Exact Standard 3-4 M (16 : 11 : 11) on growth and flowering of 3 cultivars from Molimba (R) group of marguerite daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens). The height of plants, the number of inflorescence buds, the number and diameter of anthodia were determined, together with the state of nutrition of these plants with macro- and microelements. As a result of the conducted experiments it was found that depending on the variety both the type and the rate of the applied fertilizer had an effect on plant height. The application of a slow-release fertilizer with the predominating content of nitrogen, ie Osmocote Exact Standard (16 : 11 : 11), as well as a higher rate of Osmocote Exact Hi-K (11 : 11 : 18) resulted in a stronger growth of plants. An exception in this respect was found in cv. 'Monroe Lemon Anemone'. In 'Mini White Double' and 'Monroe Lemon Anemone' flowering plants were produced as a result of higher rates of slow-release fertilizers. The type of fertilizer as well as its rate did not have a significant effect on the number of inflorescence buds or the diameter of anthodia. The cultivar had a significant modifying effect on the content of both macro-and microelements in plants. A significantly better nutrition of plants with phosphorus and iron was observed after the application of Osmocote Exact Standard 3-4 M (16 : 11 : 11) in comparison with Osmocote Exact Hi-K. Differences in the contents of the other macro-and microelements in plants recorded between the analyzed fertilizers were not significant. An increase in the rate of Osmocote Exact Hi-K 3-4 M (11 : 11 : 18) had a significant effect on the state of nutrition of plants with potassium, manganese and zinc, while in case of Osmocote Exact Standard 3-4 M (16 : 11 : 11) it was for that of potassium and zinc. Taking into consideration the practical aspect, consisting in the simplification of cultivation methods under commercial production conditions as well as the quality of plants, and the ecological aspect (limitation of nutrient leaching outside the root zone of plants to groundwater, being hazardous to the natural environment), the tested slow-release fertilizers are suitable for the cultivation of marguerite daisy Molimba (R) group.
