The Possibility Using the Composted Peanut Shells in the Growth of Marigold and Viola tricolor Plants

This research was conducted to evaluate the possibility using peanutshells compost as a suitable medium in cultivating ornamental plants. effect ofpeanut shells composts on the growth of viola tricolor and marigold wasinvestigated during seven months. peat + perlite (with a ratio of 2:1) used ascontrol treatment and peat replaced by 25, 50, 75 and 100 % v/v of peanut shellscompost. plant growth indices, including height, stem, leaf fresh weights, stemand leaf dry weights were measured in marigold and viola tricolor plants.results showed that peanut shells compost had more effects on growth propertieslike height, stem and leaf dry weigh in comparison to control. the lowestgrowth was related to 100% peanut shells and control treatments. the mostgrowth of viola tricolor and marigold plants resulted respectively in 25% and75% peanut shells compost, respectively. results showed that increasing compostpeanut shells as well as reducing the use of peat, can be effective on the growthof viola tricolor and marigold plant.