Growth and Productivity of Blanket Flower (Gaillardia Pidchella Foug.) as Infuenced by Planting Time

A Study was conducted to know the effect of planting time on growth and flower yield in Gaillardia pulchella Foug. during 1996 and 1997, at Dharwad. The results revealed that there were significant differences in leaf area, leaf area index and leaf area duration and correspondingly the total dry matter were maximum with January and December plantings. Flower yield was recorded highest (33.33 t/ha) from plants planted in January followed by December, being the next best month. The increase in flower yield was mainly due to improved growth parameters, viz., plant height, number of branches and leaves/plant and yield components like number of flowers/plant, flower size (diameter) and yield/plant.