The main objective of this research was to study the effect of three mineral fertilizers of different ratios and levels of NPK (+ Mg) on the vegetative growth and flowering of a local cultivar of Fuchsia hybrida. Also, to study the effect of these fertilizers on the mineral contents in the leaves of Fuchsia plants.
Three mineral fertilizers (19: 19: 19: 02), (19: 06: 20: 04) and (13: 40:13: 0) N, P, K and Mg were used at six levels 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 gram/plant/season. A control treatment (0 gram/plant/season) was used. The amount of fertilizer was divided into four equal doses and added to the plant at weekly intervals as a side dressing before irrigation.
The highest increase in plants height was obtained by adding 8 g/plant and 10 g/plant from the 19:19:19:02 fertilizer in both seasons. The fourth level (10 g/plant) of 19: 19: 19:02 fertilizer increased the shoot and the leaves fresh and dry weights in both seasons. The highest increase in the number of flowers per plant was obtained by adding 12 g/plant from the 19:06:20:04 fertilizer in both seasons.
There were significant increases in the nitrogen content in the leaves of Fuchsia plants over the control by using the different fertilizers. However, the fourth level (10 g/plant) of the 19:06:20:04 fertilizer gave the highest increase in both seasons. The highest increase in the phosphorus content was obtained by adding 24 g/plant from the 19:19:19:02 fertilizer. The fourth level (10 g/plant) from the 19:06:20:04 fertilizer gave the maximum increase in the potassium content in both seasons. Generally, the fifth level (12 g/plant) of the 19:19:19:02 fertilizer gave the maximum uptake of N, P and K compared with the other levels and fertilizers in both seasons.