Abstract

Liners of four cultivars were planted in larger containers and subjected to selected production systems. Objectives were to compare planting liners in September or December and growing these plants can-to-can out-of-doors or in a polyhouse vs planting in April or May of the following year.

Substantially more shoot fresh weight was obtained with three of the four test species by planting liners in larger containers in September before cold weather occurred compared to planting in December, April or May of the following year. In general, planting liners in December compared to planting in April of the following year did not result in an increase in shoot fresh weight. Late planting in May, rather than in April, resulted in less shoot fresh weight and lower root ratings with three of the four species tested. Growing plants in a polyhouse compared to out of doors resulted in more shoot fresh weight only with Ilex crenata ‘Compacta’ and Rhododendron ‘Formosa’ planted in September and with Ilex cornuta ‘Anicet Delcambre’ planted in December.