Effect of different potting media mixtures on growth and flowering of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora T.)

An experiment was conducted for three consecutive years to study the suitability of different potting media for growing chrysanthemum variety ‘Punjab Anuradha’. Significant differential response was observed among the treatments with respect to growth and floral characters. The results associated with plant growth parameters indicated maximum values for plant height, plant spread, number of branches per plant, duration of flowering, flower weight, spray length and number of flowers per plant in the media containing Cocopeat + Sand + FYM+ Vermicompost; the maximum flower diameter, however, was found in T3 (Soil+ Sand+ FYM+ Vermicompost (2:1:0.5:0.5)), where soil was replaced with cocopeat in the above combination. Chemical analysis of the soil indicated that T3 (Soil+ Sand+ FYM+ Vermicompost) was found to be superior over T7 (Cocopeat + Sand + FYM+ Vermicompost) in terms of nutrient content. But with its high pH and EC, this treatment showed next best results after T7.