FLOWERING OF DICHONDRA IN RESPONSE TO TEMPERATURE AND DAYLENGTH

Experiments using controlled environment facilities showed that flowering of Dichondra repens was promoted by chilling plants at 10 C or below. Optimum length of the chilling period was 5–6 weeks. Unchilled plants did not flower. The flowering stimulus resulting from chilling was destroyed by temperatures above 21 C. Rate of flowering was increased by short days during chilling, but short days could not substitute for the chilling requirement. Optimum daylength for flower initiation following chilling was approximately 14 hr and the optimum temperature was approximately 15 C. Flower buds developed in leaf axils of primary stems and laterals, but stem apices remained vegetative. When the chilling requirement was met flowering continued indefinitely as the plants grew.