Effect of different organic manures as growing media on the development and flowering of Phlox (Phlox Drummondii) under the agro-climatic conditions of Dera Ismail Khan

The perennial plant Phlox drummondii is well-known for its vibrant blooms and evergreen nature. This study evaluated the impact of various organic manures on the growth and flowering performance of Phlox drummondii under the agro-climatic conditions of Dera Ismail Khan. A pot trial was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with seven treatments: River Soil (RS), Farmyard Manure (FYM), Goat Manure (GM), FYM+RS, GM+RS, GM+FYM, and GM+FYM+RS, each replicated three times. Data were collected on flower bud initiation, flowering time, plant height, leaf number, branch number, flower count, flower diameter, and persistence life. Statistical analysis using Duncan’s Multiple Range (DMR) test revealed significant effects of growing media on most growth parameters (p<0.05). The GM+FYM+RS treatment outperformed others by significantly reducing days to flower bud initiation (93.33 days), first flowering (115.3 days), by maximizing plant height (22.87 cm), number of leaves (92.77), branches (9.53) and flowers per plant (16.07). In contrast, individual applications of RS and GM resulted in the poorest performance in all these parameters. Although flower diameter and persistence life showed no significant variation (p>0.05), GM+FYM+RS produced the largest diameter (2.0 cm) and the most prolonged persistence (30 days). These results statistically affirm the superior effectiveness of a 1:1:1 combination of Goat Manure, Farmyard Manure and River Soil for optimal Phlox drummondii cultivation in this region.