Preplant Storage and Greenhouse Temperature Influence Flowering of Ornithogalum

Abstract

We determined the effects of preplant storage temperature and duration and greenhouse growing temperature on the growth and flowering of four cultivars of potted Ornithogalum representing Ornithogalum dubium (three cultivars) and Ornithogalum thyrsoides (one cultivar) originating from Israeli breeding. Bulbs were stored at five temperatures for 1 to 4 weeks before planting. Within the range of 9 to 27 °C, lower preplant storage temperature resulted in earlier flowering and taller plants, and for one cultivar, increased bulb respiration measured after storage. When bulbs were stored at 9 °C for 3 weeks, plants flowered at least 12 days earlier compared with controls stored at 27 °C. At 9 °C, as preplant bulb storage duration increased from 0 to 4 weeks, plants flowered more quickly and were taller. Within the range of 13 to 21 °C, 17 to 18 °C forcing temperatures gave the best combination of forcing time and plant quality.