D. Adhikari^* and U. Pun<sup>**

*</sup>District Agriculture Development Office, Sindhuli
^**LA College of Higher Studies, Hattiban, Lalitpur

Abstract

A Study was conducted during 2009/10 to determine suitable marigold (Tagetes erecta) variety for winter season cultivation in Chitwan condition.. Result showed a significant influence variety and planting date on vegetative growth and flower production. The marigold variety Karma-1 planted on 15^th Jan. showed higher plant height (67.1 cm), spread (42.2 cm) and branch number (8.2 cm) than Karma -2 and other planting dates. In contrast, Karma-2 variety planted on 15^th Jan. showed early flowering characteristics. Karma -1.produced heavier (6.39 gm) and larger (6.4 cm diameter) Sized flowers. Likewise, marigold crop planted on 15^th Jan, produced heavier (6.0 gm) while larger flower (6.5 cm) was produced from 31^st Dec. planting. Maximum number of flowers per plant (59.9) and flower yield (410.6 gm) were recorded with 15^th Jan. planting from Karma -1.

Keywords: African marigold (Tagetes erecta), variety, time of planting, flower production