Morphological variability of dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) genotypes under subtropical conditions of Punjab

Morphological evaluation of different Dahlia genotypes was conducted at the research farm, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Rooted cuttings of Dahlia were transplanted in 12 inch earthen pots filled with growing media comprising garden soil: farm yard manure (FYM) in 2:1 ratio. The treatments comprised eight Dahlia genotypes, named as accession numbers (Acc. no.). Statistically significant differences were revealed among different genotypes for all the parameters under evaluation. Accession no. 7 recorded highest number of flowers (18.0) per plant and maximum vase life (10.0 days). The genotype Acc.No. 6 reported highest average number of days (44.67 days) to flowering duration. Dahlia Acc. No. 6 and Accessions (No. 7, 10 and 11) were found suitable for bedding purpose and pot culture, respectively.