Abstract

Dwarf pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana Schult. ‘Pumila’) plantlets produced in vitro were subjected to one of seven fertilization treatments during acclimatization to greenhouse conditions. Though all plantlets survived acclimatization, level of fertilizer significantly affected growth rate. Increase in fresh weight, leaf number and tillering during the first 6 weeks of acclimatization was greater when Osmocote micro-fertilizer at 2 kg/m³ (oz/ft³) was incorporated into the growing mix (Pro-Gro 200 with starter nutrients) as compared to 4 kg/m³ (oz/ft³) of Osmocote or addition of liquid fertilizer. The slowest growth was obtained from plants growing without Osmocote or liquid fertilizer. Once adapted to the greenhouse, plants fertilized with 400 mg/1 (ppm) N from 17N-4P-11K (17-9-13) soluble fertilizer twice per week had the most rapid growth.