Effect of Hydrogel on Wilting and Moisture Stress of Bedding Plants1

Hydrogel incorporated in the growing media of 2 bedding plants, marigold ‘Dolly’ ( Tagetes erecta L.) and zinnia ‘Pink Buttons’ ( Zinnia elegans Jacq.) grown in 3 different size containers generally increased hours to wilting (HTW) sequentially in both species and with increasing rates of hydrogel over the range tested (4 to 16 kg/m 3 ). HTW of marigold and zinnia grown in 5.1 cm 3 containers in hydrogel amended media at 16 kg/m 3 increased 45 and 37%, respectively. High rates of hydrogel incorporation were as effective in increasing HTW in small containers as was doubling container size. Pressure bomb studies with plants grown under stress in hydrogel-amended media confirmed the reduction in internal moisture tension.