Effect of dates of planting on flowering and flower quality of China aster (Callistephus chinensis Nees.) Cv. Kamini

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of dates of planting on flowering and flowering and flower quality of China aster cv. Kamini was carried out during 2001 -2002 at progressive farmer's field at Sanganakeri village near K. R. C. College of Horticulture, Arabhavi. Dates of planting had a significant effect on flowering and flower quality of China aster cv. Kamini. The pants of September planting were early to flower (31.27days) followed by August Planting (34.25 days) while October planting plants were late (60.66days). The time required for 50% flowering and flowering duration was minimum in August planting (38.96 and 20.49days), whereas maximum was recorded in October planting (70.85 and 33.71days). The peduncle length and flower diameter were maximum in May planting (32.27cm and 6.65cm), followed by October planting (29.96 and 6.57cm), while minimum was registered in August planting (21.44 and 5.46cm). May planting produced highest number of flowers per plant (29.81), followed by October planting (26.68), while minimum was recorded in August planting (18.78).