Studies on performance of China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] varieties in southern Rajasthan agro-climatic conditions

An investigation was carried out during September 2018 to April 2019 to study the performance of eight cultivars of China aster for cut flower, loose flowers and seed production. The cultivar Phule Ganesh-Violet gave maximum plant height (69.87 cm), plant spread (36.33 cm), spray length (34.93 cm), number of flowers per plant (84.77), number of flowers per spray (6.73), number of spray per plant (12.60), flower diameter (6.47 cm), weight of 10 flowers (15.60 g), while cultivar Arka Archana was observed early for first (50.13 days) and last (98.47 days) bud appearance, first (56.33 days) and last (106.67 days) flower opening, days taken to 50% flowering (85.33 days), maximum flowering duration (55.40 days), maximum vase life (8.53 days) and shelf life (5.47 days). Among the cultivars tested, cultivar Phule Ganesh-Violet was found best for significant higher flower yield in terms of number of flowers per plant (84.77), cultivar Arka Archana was found early for flowering and best for flower vase life (8.53 days) and shelf life (5.47 days).