Yield and seasonal growth flushing of Protea 'Pink Ice' and Leucadendron 'Silvan Red' in South Australia

Abstract

Data on yield and growth flushing of 2 protea varieties were collected at commercial sites in South Australia over 3 years. Mean (± s.e.) yield of Protea 'Pink Ice' in terms of marketable stems averaged 63 (±) stems/plant on a highly fertile soil to 39 (±1) stemslplant on an infertile site. On the same sites, Leucadendron 'Silvan Red' yielded means (±se.) of 314 (±13) and 219 (±5) marketable stems/plant. Data are presented in marketing classes based on stem length. Monthly increases in stem length and diameter were used to determine seasonal growth flushing patterns in the 2 cultivars. Pink Ice commenced annual growth in August-September, reached peak growth rate in October and fell to low levels in December. Silvan Red commenced growth between October and November, reached peak growth rate in December and continued stem elongation until March when all growth ceased until the following year.