Effect of Nitrogen and Planting Density on Growth and Flowering of Gaillardia

Four levels of nitrogen, i.e., 0, 10, 20 and 30g/m² and three spacings, i.e., 30×20, 30×30 and 40×30cm alongwith all possible combinations were tried on gaillardia. Nitrogen @ 20 g/m² significantly increased the number of flowers per plant and per unit area, stalk length and flower life as compared to other treatments. The height and spread of the plant, days to flower, size of flowers and flower weight were noted to be significantly higher at 30g followed by 20g N/m² over control. So far planting density is concerned, 30 × 30 cm spacing was found superior in increasing all parameters except size, stalk length and weight of the flowers which were recorded higher with 40 × 30 cm spacing followed by 30 × 30 cm. Interaction effect of nitrogen and plant population showed that number of flowers and flower yield per unit area were significantly higher with N₂S₂.