Effect of planting dates and spacing on growth and floering of African marigold cv. ‘Pusa Narangi Gainda’

The present study was carried out at experimental farm of Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) during March, 2010-December, 2010. The experiment was laid out in split plot design comprising of eight different planting dates with two spacing, (viz., 45 X 30 cm and 45 X 40 cm) at monthly intervals from mid March, 2010 to mid October, 2010. Maximum flower size was recorded for September planted crop and maximum number of flowers per plant was observed in March planted crop. April planting gave best results for plant height and flower yield at a closer spacing of 45 X 30 cm. Among interactions, maximum plant spread was recorded in May planting at spacing S1 (45 X 30 cm) whereas, weight of flowers per plant was recorded in April planting with spacing S2 (45 X 40 cm).