Evaluation of different organic potting media on growth and flowering of calendula (Calendula officinalis Linn.)

Studies were carried out at Punjab Agricultural University Landscape Nursery from October 2012 to April 2013 to evaluate the effect of different organic potting media on growth and flowering of calendula (Calendula officinalis Linn.). Different media compositions comprising Cocopeat + Paddy Straw Compost (PSC), Cocopeat + Spent Mushroom Compost (SMC), Cocopeat + Vermicompost (VC) and Soil + Farm Yard Manure (FYM) were used in definite ratios (1: 1). Maximum plant height (30.40 cm), plant spread (38.10 cm), number of branches/plant (25.30), early bud appearance (28.65 days), early flowering (36.20 days), more number of flowers/plant (51.40), more duration of flowering (123.80 days), larger flower size (6.00 cm), presentable life of pot plant (79.70 days), individual flower life (9.40 days), were observed in Cocopeat + VC. This media composition was observed to be ideal for raising calendula seedlings to full grown floriferous potted calendula plants with all the desirable characteristics essential for a specimen display.