Effect of different growing media on growth, flowering and quality attributes of China aster (Callistephus chinensis) cv. ARKA Archana

The present study entitled “Effect of different growing media on growth, flowering and quality attributes of China aster (Callistephus chinensis) cv. Arka Archana” was carried out in the year 2023-2024 at Pt. K.L.S. College of Horticulture and Research Station, Pendri, Rajnandgaon, (C.G.). The research was organized in CRD (Completely Randomized Design) with 8 treatments which were replicated 3 times. Growing media were prepared as per treatment detail after thoroughly mixing of various ingredient on volume-by-volume basis viz., soil (control), Soil + Poultry Manure (3:1 v/v), Soil + Vermicompost (1:2 v/v), Soil + Farm Yard Manure (1:1 v/v), Soil + Cocopeat + Vermicompost (1:1:1 v/v), Soil + Leaf Mould + Vermicompost (1:1:1 v/v), Soil + Sand + Vermicompost (1:1:1 v/v), Soil + Farm Yard Manure + Rice Husk (1:1:1 v/v). The interpretations were recorded on various growth, flowering and quality parameters of china aster. Growing media comprising Soil + Leaf Mould + Vermicompost (1:1:1) T6 recorded maximum plant height (42.21cm), plant spread in N-S (49.07 cm), plant spread E-W cm), number of leaves (354.80), stem diameter (14.43 mm), maximum number of branches ( 39.67), longest blooming period (42.07 days), maximum number of flower per plant (78.13), individual flower weight (2.69 g) and maximum flower diameter (5.41 cm) at 90 days after transplanting. For some parameters such minimum number of days to first flower bud initiation (41.13), number of days taken for first flower opening (53.47), days taken for 50% flowering (66.00) observed in growing media comprising Soil + Cocopeat + Vermicompost (1:1:1) T5 and the maximum net return Rs. 36.44 with B:C ratio 1:1.27 was recorded in treatment Soil + Leaf mould+ Vermicompost (1:1:1) T6.