Effects of Plant Spacing and NPK Fertilizer Rates on Growth, Flowering, Yield and Quality of Daisy (Aster amellus L.) cv. Purple Multipetal

Abstract

An experiment conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Kittur Rani Channamma College of Horticulture, Arabhavi, investigated the impact of various spacing and fertilizer levels on the growth and yield of daisy (Aster amellus L.) cv. Purple Multipetal. The study evaluated three distinct spacing configurations (30 × 20 cm, 30 × 30 cm, and 40 × 30 cm) and three different fertilizer dosages (F1: 105:131.25:112.5 NPK kg/ha; F2: 140:175:150 NPK kg/ha; and F3: 175:218.75:187.5 NPK kg/ha). The mean of 5 plants were taken and the findings conclusively demonstrated that both spacing and fertilizer treatments significantly influenced the daisy's growth and productivity. While the closer spacing of 30 × 20 cm resulted in the most impressive plant height and the highest spike yield (5.49 lakh stems per hectare), the wider spacing of 40 × 30 cm proved superior for overall vegetative growth and floral quality. This wider spacing led to a greater number of suckers per plant, increased fresh and dry plant weight, and enhanced root development (longer length, greater volume, and more roots). Furthermore, it positively affected crucial flowering characteristics, including earlier spike initiation and 50% flowering, a higher number of spikes per plant, longer main spikes, larger flower diameters, heavier flowers, extended vase life, and elevated chlorophyll content. Among the fertilizer applications, the highest level (F3) consistently yielded the best results across all measured growth and flowering parameters. Ultimately, the research highlighted that the synergistic combination of wider spacing (40 × 30 cm) and the highest fertilizer level (F3), designated as S3F3, delivered the most exceptional performance for all aspects of daisy cultivation, encompassing growth, yield, and quality attributes.