Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of bulb planting time and the type of mulch on the morphological traits of plants and on bulb yield of <em>Allium aflatunense </em>B. Fedtsch. 'Purple Sensation'. Bulbs of 12 cm diameter were used as the study material. The bulbs were planted in plots on three dates: September 15th, October 1st, and October 15th. The plantation was mulched after frost with two types of mulch: composted pine bark and wheat straw. Phenological phases of the plants were observed during the growing season. At the full flowering stage, several observations and measurements were taken: length of leaves, length of inflorescence peduncle, peduncle diameter, inflorescence diameter, and number of flowers per inflorescence. After harvest, total numerical and weight yield of bulbs were evaluated as well as number and weight of the largest bulbs (21–22 cm diameter). The study showed that in order to obtain <em>Allium aflatunense </em>of high ornamental value, which is determined by the number of flowers per inflorescence and the inflorescence peduncle diameter, bulbs need to be planted in the middle of September. Bulb planting in October leads to production of inflorescences of greater diameter. The optimum method of <em>Allium aflatunense </em>cultivation which ensures production of good total yield of bulbs, expressed in its weight, is bulb planting on September 15th and soil mulching with composted pine bark or straw. Mulching a plantation of <em>Allium aflatunense </em>planted on September 15th with bark has a positive effect on the number and weight of bulbs of 21–22 cm diameter.
Highlights
Ornamental Allium is a large group of perennial plants of varying ornamental value (Krzymińska, 2003)
This finding has been confirmed by the results of this study where in the case of the earliest planting time, i.e. September 15th, a tendency was observed for production of the longest inflorescence peduncles and the largest peduncle diameter in Allium aflatunense
In order to obtain Allium aflatunense of high ornamental value, with a specific number of flowers per inflorescence and diameter of inflorescence peduncle, bulbs need to be planted in the middle of September
Summary
Ornamental Allium is a large group of perennial plants of varying ornamental value (Krzymińska , 2003). In the cultivation of bulbous plants, the proper planting time of bulbs is crucial to obtain good quality of flowers and high yield (Kizil et al, 2008; MoslehUd - D e e n , 2008; Akpinar and Bulut , 2011). Particular species of ornamental Allium differ in resistance to low temperatures. Those that are less resistant to unfavorable weather conditions can undergo mulching. Organic mulch which is placed in the autumn and left for the entire cultivation period has been successfully used in the cultivation of ornamental plants for several years already. December is an especially critical month in the cultivation of tulips and other bulbous plants (Szlachetka and Drozd , 1990 a, b; Szlachetka et al 1991). Mulch used as protection from frost (straw, pine needles, leaves, bark, agrotextile) helps maintain a balanced temperature of soil around the plant’s root system and protects it from the effects of frequent soil frosting and defrosting
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