In this thesis, we observed differences in height, width, length, and flowering among the same species and varieties of ornamental annuals originating from different breeding programs. The experiment included dipladenias (Dipladenia spp.), pelargoniums (Pelargonium spp.), surfinias (Petunia spp.), verbenas (Verbena spp.), and impatiens (Impatiens spp.). Our aim was to determine whether the conditions under which seedlings are grown in nurseries significantly influence the subsequent growth and development of annual plants. The plants were obtained from three breeding companies: Syngenta, Lazzeri, and Elsner Pac. The plants from Syngenta were received as rooted cuttings, so we began cultivating them further in the faculty greenhouses. In May, we received plants from Lazzeri and Elsner Pac, which were transported to the School for Horticulture and Visual Arts in Celje, where the experiment was set up. Five plants of the same species and cultivar from each breeder were provided for the experimental design. Three plants were planted in pots of equal size, and two were planted in troughs using the same substrate, allowing us to compare their growth and development. Specialized substrates donated by Njiva d.o.o. company were used. During the growth and development period (from May 15, 2024 to June 19, 2024), we monitored the height, length, and width of the plants. Initial differences in growth and development among the plants persisted throughout the entire observation period, both in pots and in troughs. This suggests that the quality of plants at the time of purchase from the nursery plays a crucial role in their successful growth.
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