The effect of GA3-application on growth and flowering of liatris

Abstract

The effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) on breaking corm-dormancy, growth and flowering of Liatris spicata L. cultivar ‘Gloriosa’ (gay-feather) was investigated. GA3 could be substituted for the cold requirement in breaking corm-dormancy and promoting earlier flowering, but it did not promote the elongation of the floral stalks. The combined effect of GA3 and cold treatment led to earlier flowering and more inflorescences than either treatment given alone. GA3-application after the corms had received the cold treatment resulted in fewer, but more marketable inflorescences than when the application was done before the cold treatment.