Abstract
The options to optimize the production of plants and the lifespan and phenological characteristics of Mimulus guttatus DC in the climate of Sofia were studied. The seedlings were grown in a greenhouse for 8-10 weeks, at a temperature of 12-17ºC, intensity of natural light – 1300-18500 lx and air humidity 63-74%. The young plants had the following biometric characteristics: a rosette structure, 5 pairs of leaves with length of 7.60 ± 1.37 and 8.11 ± 1.61 cm for the first and second pairs of leaves and respectively average width of 2.39 ± 0.54 and 2.66 ± 0.70; average height of the stem: 16.06 ± 3.6 cm. A link between the amount of precipitation during the growing season in the field and the morphology and lifespan of the individuals was sought, with a view of assessing the risk of self-sowing of Mimulus guttatus potential performance as invasive species in the park areas of the city. With precipitation over and around the normal for Sofia, on a soil substrate with unfavourable structure and low availability of nitrogen and potassium and average availability of phosphorus, two experimental options were tested: with none and with a one-time fertilization. Mimulus guttatus plants bloomed around 1.5 months and performed as annuals, with no evidence of self-sowing or overwintering, with no danger of invasion or threat of uncontrolled proliferation.
Keywords: Mimulus guttatus, lifespan, self-sowing, invasive, propagation