Cultivation of Marigold

Marigold is a commonly grown flower used in religious and social functions. Due to its low cost and high production capacity, it is a popular crop. It is also used as a trap crop to protect other plants from pests. Marigold flowers come in attractive colors and shapes, and they are being used in poultry feed as well, which helps improve the quality of eggs.

How to Cultivate Marigold?

Soil

• Loam, clay loam, and sandy loam soils are considered the most suitable for marigold cultivation. Soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for its growth. Cultivating in fertile soil with good drainage yields better results.

Climate

• Marigolds can be grown in various climatic conditions, with winter, summer, and monsoon seasons being favorable for cultivation. The ideal temperature at the time of sowing is between 25-35°C.

Seed Rate

• Approximately 600 grams of seeds are required per acre for marigold cultivation.

Varieties

• There are many advanced varieties of marigold that allow farmers to earn a good profit in a short period. Some of the prominent varieties include Pusa Basanti Marigold, Pusa Orange Marigold, and Pusa Arpita.

Sowing Time

• Marigold is a perennial crop and can be grown year-round. In summer, sowing is done in January-February, and transplanting is done in February-March, with flowering occurring in May-July. During this period, the flowers may be smaller due to high temperatures, but high demand ensures good profits. In the rainy season, sowing is done in mid-June, and transplanting in mid-July, with flowering occurring in September-November. In winter, sowing is done in September, transplanting in October, and flowering occurs in January, producing high-quality flowers, though market prices may be lower.

Field Preparation

• Preparing the field before sowing marigold is very important. First, plow the field 1-2 times deeply using a soil-turning plow to allow the top layer of soil to open and help nutrients reach deeper. After that, do light plowing 2-3 times with a country plow or cultivator, and then level the field by running a harrow to make the soil crumbly and even. After removing stones from the field, create beds for planting and ensure proper drainage so that water does not stagnate in the field.

Sowing

• Always select high-quality seeds for sowing. Marigold seeds can be sown directly in the field or in seed trays. For French marigolds, plant them at a spacing of 45 x 30 cm, and for African marigolds, maintain a spacing of 60 x 45 cm. This allows the plants enough space for better growth.

Fertilizers

• Fertilizer management is crucial for marigold crops. At the time of the final plowing, apply 5 tons of farmyard manure (FYM) per acre to improve soil fertility, which helps in plant growth. For one acre of marigold crops, 75 kg of urea, 86 kg of D.A.P, and 67 kg of M.O.P. should be used as a basal dose, meaning it should be applied at the time of sowing. Additionally, for better plant growth and improved flower quality, spray 75 kg of urea as a top dressing 30 days after sowing. This ensures the proper supply of nutrients to the plants, resulting in higher yields.

Irrigation

• Marigold crops need regular watering, especially during the flowering stage. During the summer, irrigate every 5-7 days, and in the winter, every 10-15 days. Ensure there is no waterlogging during irrigation, as excess water can cause root rot.

Weed Control

• To prevent weed growth in marigold crops, it is essential to perform regular weeding and hoeing. Weeds can cause nutrient deficiencies in plants. Therefore, remove weeds from the field by conducting regular weeding and hoeing. If the problem of weeds is severe, herbicides can also be used.

Pests and Diseases

• Marigold plants are susceptible to several diseases and pests. Major diseases include damping-off, flower bud rot, leaf spot, blight, collar rot, wilting, stem rot, and powdery mildew. Key pests include red spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, leaf miners, beetles, and jassids. Timely control of these issues is necessary to maintain plant health and yield.

Harvesting

• Marigold flowers should be harvested when fully bloomed. The best times for harvesting are morning and evening, as the flowers retain their freshness during these periods. After harvesting, flowers should be quickly taken to market to get the best price.

Yield

• The yield of marigold flowers depends on the weather, soil fertility, and variety. African marigold yield about 3-4 tons per acre, while French marigold yields range from 4.5 to 7 tons per acre. By selecting the right variety for appropriate soil and climate conditions, farmers can achieve better yields.

Medicinal Properties of Marigold

• Marigold flowers contain antioxidants that help inhibit tumor growth and assist in destroying cancer cells.
• It aids in detoxifying the body by removing toxic substances.
• Marigold helps strengthen the digestive system by reducing stomach acidity.
• The juice from marigold flowers and leaves provides relief from inflammation, itching, ringworm, and skin diseases.
• Marigold tea reduces fever and relieves cold and shivering.
• For kidney stones, a decoction made from its leaves is beneficial in expelling the stones.
• Marigold tea is beneficial for the eyes, and its juice can be used to cleanse the eyes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best month to plant marigolds?

A: For the summer season, marigold crops are planted in January-February. For the rainy season, they are planted in May-June, and for the winter season, sowing is done in September-October.

Q: How long does it take for marigolds to grow?

A: Marigold crops germinate quickly, and flowers bloom in about 8 weeks, making them easy to grow from seeds.

Q: How far apart should marigolds be planted?

A: The spacing between marigold plants depends on the variety. African marigolds are planted 10-12 inches apart, while French marigolds are planted 8-10 inches apart. If planting in containers, use a 10-inch pot for African marigolds and a 6-inch pot for French marigolds.