Using Compost for Container Production of Ornamental Hammock Species Native to Florida

Abstract

Four hammock species native to Florida were larger with more flowers 8 wk after transplanting into containers filled with compost or media amended with compost when compared with a Florida peat-based control. Our study indicated that compost can serve as a viable alternative substrate to peat for container production of Florida butterfly sage (Cordia globosa (Jacq.) Kunth [Boraginaceae]), firebush (Hamelia patens Jacq. [Rubiaceae]), scorpions tail (Heliotropium angiospermum (Murray) Britton. [Boraginaceae]), and tropical sage (Salvia coccinea Buc'hoz ex Etl. [Lamiaceae]). Plants transplanted to containers filled with a biosolid:yard waste compost or a formulated compost-based mix (4:5:1, compost:pine bark:sand, v:v:v) grew better than plants transplanted to a commercial peat-based mix, although initial analyses of the medium indicated that compost alone had higher pH; electrical conductivity (EC); N, P, K, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mn, Al, Fe, and B contents; and similar air-filled porosity and C contents when compared with the peat- or compost-based media.