Marigold Cultivation methods
To cultivate marigold flowers, the land should be prepared by ploughing 4–5 times and leveling so that the soil becomes loose and friable. Nowadays, it is possible to grow this flower throughout the year.
Well-drained loam, clay-loam, and fertile high land are ideal for marigold cultivation. However, with proper care, marigolds can be grown in almost all soil types.
French marigold grows well even in very poor soil, but African marigold requires sufficient fertilizer for good growth. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that the field receives adequate sunlight.
To cultivate marigold flowers, the land should be prepared by ploughing 4–5 times and leveling so that the soil becomes loose and friable. Nowadays, it is possible to grow this flower throughout the year.
Wll-drained loam, clay-loam, and fertile high land are ideal for marigold cultivation. However, with proper care, marigolds can be grown in almost all soil types.
French marigold grows well even in very poor soil, but African marigold requires sufficient fertilizer for good growth. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that the field receives adequate sunlight.
Seedling Production and Planting Methods
Marigold seedlings can be produced through stem cuttings and seeds.
To produce seedlings, sow the seeds in the seedbed in November.
Although marigolds can be cultivated year-round, winter gives the best yield.
For stem cuttings, cut the marigold branches into pieces 8–10 cm long.
Plant the branch segments in the seedbed with two nodes inserted into the soil.
The suitable time for planting the cuttings is March.
By watering the seedbed regularly, the soil will remain moist and new leaves will emerge within 20–25 days.
Seedlings produced from seeds or cuttings become ready for transplanting at one month of age, and should be transplanted in December.
Maintain a row-to-row spacing of 40–50 cm.
Maintain a plant-to-plant spacing of 30–40 cm.
Marigold can also be cultivated directly from seeds without preparing seedlings.
In that case, sow 5–6 grams of seeds per decimal of land.
To produce seedlings from seeds, the soil in the seedbed must be made loose, fertile, and well-tilled.
Water the seedbed regularly, but ensure that water does not stagnate.
When the seedlings are 1.5 to 2 inches tall, pinch the tips to prevent excessive elongation and to make the seedlings stronger.
After one month, the seedlings can be transplanted to the main field.
Fertilizer Application
For growing tuberose (Ganda) flowers, per 100 square meters of land, the following fertilizers should be applied:
40 kg of decomposed cow dung
2 kg of urea
3 kg of TSP (Triple Super Phosphate)
2 kg of MOP (Muriate of Potash)
These fertilizers should be mixed with the soil. For better flower quality and yield, zinc and boron can also be used. Additionally, 50 grams of urea per decimal should be applied as top-dressing 15 days after transplanting.
Irrigation and Care
No activity is required for the first 8–10 days after transplanting seedlings. However, irrigation should be provided if the soil in the raised bed becomes dry. Ensure proper drainage if water accumulates at the base of the plant.
Regularly remove weeds by hand hoeing.
When the plant grows, tie it to a stake, as upright plants produce flowers of better quality.
To increase the number of flowers on the plant, pinch off the top of the plant one month before flowering.
If many flowers or buds develop densely on a branch, leave only one or two at the top and remove the rest, so that the remaining flowers grow larger (“stopping method”).
If a seedling dies, replant a new one in its place.
Even if seedlings are dense, they should be thinned out.
Pest and Disease Management
Marigold plants are naturally resistant to many pests, so pest infestations are generally minimal. However, some diseases can still affect them, such as wilt and stem rot.
Root Rot Disease: This disease is caused by a fungal infection. It is more common in marigold fields where water logging occurs. The roots of the plant start rotting, causing the plant to weaken and eventually die.
It is important to ensure that water does not accumulate at the base of the plants in the flower field. Infected plants should be uprooted and destroyed. If the infection is severe, you may spray Tilt or any other approved fungicide.
Yield and Flower Harvest
The yield of jasmine flowers depends on the variety, planting distance, time, and fertilizer application. On average, each plant produces 15–40 flowers depending on the variety.
Flowers should be harvested very early in the morning using scissors or a blade, along with the buds.
Flower harvesting can begin 35–40 days after planting the seedlings.
With proper cultivation practices, jasmine flowers can be harvested within 70–80 days of planting the seedlings.
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