EFFECT OF VARIOUS SUCKER SIZES AND PLANTING TIMES ON GROWTH AND FLOWER YIELD OF CHRYSANTHEMUM

Small and large sized suckers of chrysanthemum morifolium were planted on four different dates, i.e. 18th february, 18th april, 17th june and 16th august to find out their effect on growth and flower yield. plants resulting from small sized suckers produced significantly higher number of primary and secondary branches and leaves plant^-1. however, plant height, leaf area, number of suckers produced, biomass (fresh plant weight) and flower yield plant^-1 were not affected by the sucker sizes. as the planting was delayed, plant growth and flower yield was reduced. early plantings resulted in increased plant height, more number of branches and leaves plant^-1, greater biomass, and higher flower yields but reduced leaf area as compared to late plantings.