Performance of Different Varieties/ Hybrids of Zinnia (Zinnia elegans l.) under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

An experiment entitled "Performance of different varieties/hybrids of Zinnia (Zinnia elegans L.) under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions" was conducted at Horticultural Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini agricultural institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj in the year 2022 to identify the most suitable variety/hybrid or successful cultivation and the longest blooming period under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions. Six varieties and one hybrid namely, Zinnia Orange, Zinnia Purple, Zinnia White, Zinnia Red, Zinnia Yellow, Zinnia Double Yellow (Hybrid), and Zinnia Illuminated Deep Rose were selected for their evaluation. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 3 replications. The highest plant height (53 cm) and plant spread (43.1 cm) in the variety Zinnia Illumination Deep Rose were observed. However, the number of primary branches (5.3) in the variety Zinnia White was observed. Whereas, minimum days to first bud initiation (14.2 days), first flowering (29.7 days), and 50% of flowering (32.3 days) in variety Zinnia White were recorded. The maximum number of flowers per plant (12.7), flower diameter (8.4 cm), and duration of blooming (34.8 days) in the variety Zinnia Illumination Deep Rose were recorded.