Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta, Bangalore, 560 089
Rose cv. ‘Happiness’ was pruned on May, 31 (September, 30), June, 15 (October, 15), June, 30 (October, 31), July, 15 (November, 15), July, 31 (November 20) and August, 15 (December, 15). In Bangalore roses are pruned twice in a year and the dates in parentheses show the corresponding second pruning dates. Early and late pruning dates adversely affected stem length and flower yields to some extent. The results indicate that early pruning is beneficial for flower diameter and plant size (spread of plant and pruned wood weight). The trial also shows the possibility of staggering pruning dates to obtain continuous flowering for a longer period.
