Effects of storage and production methods on Crytanthus elatus cut flower production

The effects of bulb grade sizes (24-30, 31-37, 38-44 and greater than or equal to45 mm) and light intensity (+/-40% shade) on the cut flower production of Crytanthus elatus bulbs were assessed over two seasons. In a second experiment the effects of bulb storage treatments (0, 72 and 132 days storage at 4 and 10degreesC) and growing environment (a glasshouse or sheltered outdoor site) were assessed. Stem length and weight, flower numbers/stem and stem numbers/bulb increased with bulb size. Shade delayed flowering by 14.6 days and decreased the number of stems/bulb in the first season. In the second season shade further decreased the number of stems/bulb. In the second experiment storage delayed flowering in the greenhouse in the first season by up to 75 days. Stems were longer in the glasshouse compared to outdoors, but stem numbers/bulb were similar. In the second season stem numbers/bulb were fewer from the longer storage duration bulbs. There were no significant differences in flower production or flowering time between the two bulb storage temperatures.