The present study was conducted under the AICRP-Floriculture, at the Agricultural Research Institute, Hyderabad during the year 2008-09. The study was conducted to identify suitable China aster cultivars under open conditions of Hyderabad. Among the seven cultivars studied, the results showed a highly significant variation for various growths, floral, and flower yield parameters among the cultivars. The Phule Ganesh Violet produced maximum plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, plant spread and number of leaves at all stage of plant growth. With respect to flowering characters, Phule Ganesh Pink took minimum number of days for first flower bud initiation (57.20), first flowering (66.73), 50 % flowering (85.67), and flowering duration (60.96). Phule Ganesh White showed maximum flowering diameter (7.37 cm), stalk length (34.78 cm) and vase life both as cut (9.13 days) and loose (4.73 days) flower. Phule Ganesh White also produced maximum number of flower per plant (36.73) and yield both per plant (208.81 g) and per hectare (23.20 t / ha). The cv. Local recorded minimum of all these character except flowering duration and days to first flower bud initiation and their opening. Phule Ganesh White can therefore, be recommended for commercial cultivation under Hyderabad conditions.
