Effect of different growing media on growth and flowering of stock (Matthiola incana L.)

Introduction

Matthiola incana L. (stock) is an important ornamental flowering crop belonging to the family Brassicaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and widely cultivated as a cut flower owing to its attractive flower spikes, pleasant fragrance, wide range of colours and excellent vase life Saleem et al. [1] The crop is extensively used in bouquets, floral arrangements, interior decoration and landscape gardening Sarwar et al. [2] . In India, stock is cultivated during the winter season and is gaining commercial importance due to the increasing demand for high-quality cut flowers Waseem et al. [3] Growing media play an important role in determining the growth, flowering, and overall quality of ornamental crops Chamani et al. [4] An ideal growing medium should provide adequate support to the plant, ensure proper aeration and drainage, retain sufficient moisture, and supply essential nutrients for healthy root development and vigorous plant growth khandekar et al. [5] . Various materials, including garden soil, sand, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, cocopeat, perlite and leaf manure, are commonly used individually or in different combinations to improve the physical, chemical and nutritional properties of the growing medium Singh et al. [6] . The composition of the growing medium can significantly affect vegetative growth, flowering characteristics, flower yield and post-harvest quality of stock Kareem et al. [7] . Hence, evaluating different growing media combinations is essential for identifying a suitable medium that promotes optimum growth, abundant flowering, and better quality of stock (Matthiola incana L.).Although different organic and inorganic materials are used as components of growing media for ornamental crops, comparative information on suitable combinations for improving growth, rooting, flowering, flower yield and vase life of stock under the agro-climatic conditions of Raipur is limited.

Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate different combinations of growing media for identifying a suitable medium for improved growth and flowering performance of Stock (Matthiola incana L.).

Materials and Methods

The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Research cum Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.), during the Rabi season of 2025-26. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 8 treatments and 3 replications. . The treatments comprised T 0-Garden soil (control), T₁-Garden soil + Sand + FYM (1:1:1), T₂-Garden soil + Sand + Vermicompost (1:1:1), T₃-Garden soil + Sand + Vermicompost + FYM (1:1:1:1), T₄-Garden soil + Sand + Vermicompost + Cocopeat (1:1:1:1),-T₅-Garden soil + Sand + FYM + Cocopeat (1:1:1:1), T₆-Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Composted paddy straw + Rice husk (2:1:1:1) and T₇-Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Perlite + Leaf manure (2:1:1:1). All the growing media were prepared by mixing the respective components in the prescribed proportions (v/v). Seeds of stock (Matthiola incana L.) were sown on a raised nursery bed to raised healthy seedlings. After 30-45 days, uniform and healthy seedlings were transplanted into grow bags filled with different growing media combinations as per the treatments. All the recommended cultural practices, including irrigation, weeding and plant protection measures, were followed uniformly throughout the experimental period."The recorded observations were subjected to analysis of variance appropriate for a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Treatment means were compared using the critical difference (CD) at the 5% level of significance. Standard error of mean (SEm±) and CD at 5% were calculated for comparison among treatments."

Results

Vegetative Parameters

Plant height (cm): Plant height was significantly influenced by different growing media combinations (Table 1). Among the treatments, T₇ recorded the maximum plant height (29.94 cm), followed by T₃ (23.37 cm), whereas T 0 the control recorded the minimum plant height (16.69 cm). The superior plant height under T₇ may be attributed to the favourable physical and nutritional properties of the growing medium, which improved root development, water retention, aeration and nutrient uptake, thereby promoting vigorous vegetative growth.

Number of leaves:

The number of leaves per plant was significantly influenced by different growing media combinations was presented in Table 1. The maximum number of leaves per plant was found in T₇ i.e. 39.87 followed by T₃ i.e. 31.20 while the T 0 (control) observed the minimum number of leaves (22.00). The higher leaf production under T₇ might be attributed to better moisture retention, improved aeration and enhanced nutrient availability, which together supported stronger root system and efficient nutrient uptake, resulting in better vegetative growth.

Plant spread (cm): Plant spread (N-S) and (E-W) directions was significantly influenced by different growing media combinations was presented in Table 1. In treatment T₇ recorded the maximum plant spread followed by T₃ in the N-S and T₆ in the E-W direction among the different treatment, whereas the T 0 (control) recorded the minimum plant spread in (N-S) and (E-W) directions. The increased plant spread under T₇ may be attributed to the favourable physical and nutritional properties. The combination of cocopeat, vermicompost, perlite and leaf manure provided improved moisture retention, aeration and nutrient availability, which influenced the healthy root development and vigorous vegetative growth, resulting in greater plant spread.

Flowering Parameters Days to first bud appearance:

The number of days to first bud appearance was significantly influenced by different growing media combinations (Table 2). The foremost bud appearance was recorded in T₇ (26.73 days) followed by T₃ (29.40 days), whereas again the T 0 (control) took the maximum number of days (42.40 days). The earlier bud initiation under T₇ likely due to improved root development, better nutrient uptake and favourable moisture conditions, which promoted early transition from the vegetative to the reproductive phase.

Days to 50% flowering:

The number of days to 50% flowering was influenced by different growing media combinations which was presented in Table 2. The minimum number of days to 50% flowering was recorded in T₇ (40.00 days), followed by T₃ (43.27 days), while the T 0 (control) required the maximum number of days (57.40 days). The reduction in days to 50% flowering under T₇ may be due to improved root activity, balanced nutrient availability and favourable moisture conditions, which enhanced physiological processes and promoted early flowering.

Flowering duration: Flowering duration was significantly influenced by different growing media combinations (Table 2). The longest flowering duration was recorded in T₇ (20.00 days), followed by T₂ (16.60 days), whereas T₀ (control) recorded the shortest flowering duration (11.20 days). The longer flowering duration recorded in T₇ might be assigned to the continuous supply of moisture and nutrients, which maintained metabolic processes and delayed floral aging, thereby extended the blooming period.

Flower diameter was influenced by different growing media combinations which was shown in Table 2. The highest flower diameter (29.99 mm) was recorded in T₇ closely related with T₆ (27.11 mm) and T₂ (26.78 mm), in contrast T₀ (control) recorded the lowest flower diameter (21.82 mm). The increased flower diameter found under T₇ could be linked to enhanced production and movement of assimilated, which advanced stronger flower bud development and growth, leading to bigger blooms.

Number of flowers per spike:

The number of flowers per spike was significantly influenced by different growing media combinations (Table 3). The highest number of flowers per spike (13.05) was recorded in T₇ followed by T₃ (11.30), whereas T₀ (control) observed the minimum number of flowers per spike (9.54). The highest number of flowers under T₇ might be owing to to improved increased vegetative growth, efficient nutrient uptake and greater accumulation of photosynthates, which encouraged FBD and increased flower production.

Spike length was significantly influenced by different growing media combinations (Table 3). The maximum spike length (16.73 cm) was recorded in T₇, followed by T₃ (13.40 cm), whereas T₀ (control) recorded the minimum spike length (9.16 cm). The increased spike length under T₇ may be observed under improved root growth and balanced nutrient supply, which promoted cell elongation and supported the longer flower spikes.

Flower yield per plant (g): Flower yield per plant was significantly affected by different growing media combinations was presented in Table 3. The maximum flower yield per plant (29.72 g) was recorded in T₇ was presented in T 3 (18.77 g), while T₀ (control) recorded the minimum flower yield per plant (12.57 g). The higher flower yield under T₇ may be attributed to increased flower production and improved flower size, resulting from favourable growing conditions and efficient utilization of nutrients.

Vase life was significantly influenced by different growing media combinations (Table 3). The longest vase life (7.67 days) was recorded in T₇, followed by T₃ and T₄ (7.33 days), whereas T₀ (control) recorded the shortest vase life (4.33 days). The improved vase life observed under T₇ might be attributed to the enhanced WHC of the growing medium, which maintained better water balance in the flower tissues and reduced moisture loss after harvest. Concurrently, balanced supply of nutrients also buildup greater carbohydrate accumulation, thereby delaying senescence and extending vase life. In addition, longer and stronger flower spikes further improved postharvest durability.

Root Parameters Number of roots:

The results revealed that different growing media combinations significantly influenced the number of roots (Table 4). Treatment T₇ (Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Perlite + Leaf manure) recorded the highest number of roots, followed by T₆ (Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Composted paddy straw + Rice husk), whereas the control (T₀) observed the lowest number of roots. The higher number of roots in T₇ may be attributed to better moisture retention, improved aeration, and enhanced nutrient availability provided by cocopeat, perlite, vermicompost and leaf manure.

Those results identified that root length was significantly influenced by different growing media combinations (Table 4). Treatment T₇ recorded the longer root length and then T₆, while the control (T₀) recorded the minimum root length. Improved aeration, water-holding capacity and nutrient availability in the growing medium promoted root elongation and overall root growth.

The fresh weight of roots varied significantly among the treatments was shown in Table 4. The greatest fresh root weight was recorded in T₇ followed by T₆ while the lowest value was recorded in the control (T₀). Better moisture availability, nutrient uptake and more favourable root-zone conditions likely contributed to the higher accumulation of root biomass.

The dry weight of roots was significantly influenced by different growing media combinations (Table 4). Treatment T₇ recorded the highest dry root weight, followed by T₆, while the control (T₀) recorded the lowest value. The increased dry matter accumulation may be attributed to enhanced nutrient absorption and vigorous root development under the improved growing medium.

Discussion

Vegetative Parameters Plant height (cm): Similar findings were reported by Padhiyar et al. [8] in chrysanthemum, Devavrata and Bahadur [9] in petunia and Singh et al. [6] in pot mum chrysanthemum.

Number of leaves:

Similar observations were reported by Thakur and Grewal [10] in potted chrysanthemum, Chauhan et al. [11] in gerbera, Deogade et al. [12] in calendula and Yadav et al. [13] in China aster.

Plant spread (cm): Similar findings were reported by Gupta and Dilta [14] in primula, Wazir et al. [15] in alstroemeria and Singh et al. [6] in pot mum chrysanthemum.

Flowering Parameters

Days taken for first bud appearance: Similar findings were reported by Monika et al. [16] in chrysanthemum using cocopeat + FYM + garden soil (2:1:1), Chauhan et al. [11] in gerbera using soil + rice husk + cocopeat + castor cake + vermicompost (1:1:1:1:1), Deogade et al. [12] in calendula using garden soil + FYM + vermicompost + cocopeat, and Padhi et al. [17] in chrysanthemum, who reported the earliest bud appearance in garden soil + sand + FYM + vermicompost (1:1:0.5:0.5).

Days taken for 50% flowering: Similar observations were reported by Deogade et al. [12] in calendula using garden soil + FYM + vermicompost + cocopeat, and Padhi et al. [17] in chrysanthemum, who recorded the earliest 50% flowering in garden soil + sand + FYM + vermicompost (1:1:0.5:0.5).

Flowering duration: Similar findings were reported by Padhiyar et al. [8] in chrysanthemum using cocopeat + vermicompost + biocompost, Singh et al. [6] in pot mum using cocopeat + vermicompost + leaf mould (2:1:1), and Padhi et al. [17] in chrysanthemum using garden soil + sand + FYM + vermicompost (1:1:0.5:0.5).

Similar observations were reported by Singh et al. [6] in pot mum using cocopeat + vermicompost + leaf mould (2:1:1), Padhiyar et al. [8] in chrysanthemum using cocopeat + vermicompost + biocompost, and Padhi et al. [17] in chrysanthemum using garden soil + sand + FYM + vermicompost (1:1:0.5:0.5).

Number of flowers per spike:

Similar findings were reported by Chauhan et al. [11] in gerbera using soil + rice husk + cocopeat + castor cake + vermicompost (1:1:1:1:1), Singh et al. [6] in pot mum using cocopeat + vermicompost + leaf mould (2:1:1), and Padhi et al. 17) in chrysanthemum using garden soil + sand + FYM + vermicompost (1:1:0.5:0.5).

Similar findings were reported by Thakur and Grewal [10] in potted chrysanthemum using cocopeat + FYM (2:1), Padhiyar et al. [8] in chrysanthemum using cocopeat + vermicompost + biocompost.

Similar observations were reported by Singh et al. [6] in pot mum using cocopeat + vermicompost + leaf mould (2:1:1), Chauhan et al. [11] in gerbera using soil + rice husk + cocopeat + castor cake + vermicompost, and Padhi et al. [17] in chrysanthemum using garden soil + sand + FYM + vermicompost (1:1:0.5:0.5).

Vase life (days): Similar findings were reported by Chauhan et al. [11] in gerbera using soil + rice husk + cocopeat + castor cake + vermicompost (1:1:1:1:1), Singh et al. [6] in pot mum using cocopeat + vermicompost + leaf mould (2:1:1), and Padhi et al. [17] in chrysanthemum using garden soil + sand + FYM + vermicompost (1:1:0.5:0.5).

Root Parameters

Number of roots: Similar findings were reported by Kumar et al. [18] , who observed a higher number of roots in vermicompost-based growing media, and Parmer [19] , who reported maximum root production in a medium comprising soil + sand + vermicompost (1:1:1).

Root length (cm): Similar findings were reported by Panyang and Verma [20] in sand + soil + vermicompost and by Singh et al. [6] in cocopeat + vermicompost + leaf mould (2:1:1).

Fresh weight of roots (g): Similar observations were reported by Parmer [19] in soil + sand + vermicompost (1:1:1) and Panyang and Verma [20] in marigold.

Dry weight of roots (g): Similar findings were reported by Swetha et al. [21] in cocopeat-based growing media and Parmer [19] marigold.

Conclusion

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementsThe authors express their sincere gratitude to the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.), India, for providing the necessary field facilities, technical support, and academic environment to conduct this research work. The first author is deeply thankful to her major advisor Dr. L. S. Verma (Professor and Head) and advisory committee members Dr. S. K. Tamrakar, Dr. (Lt) Vinod Nayak, and Dr. D. P. Singh for their valuable guidance, constant encouragement, and constructive suggestions during the study. Heartfelt thanks are also extended to the farm staff of the horticultural nursery for their assistance during field experiments.

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