Golden Blooms: The Vibrant World of Marigold Flowers

Marigold stands out as one of the most beloved annual flowering crops, cherished for its abundant blooms and relatively short flowering period. Originating from Mexico and Central America, these vibrant flowers, adorned in shades of orange and yellow, have found their way into gardens and landscapes worldwide. In India, states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra are prominent for marigold cultivation, often cultivated for religious and cultural ceremonies. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, marigolds boast medicinal and culinary uses, making them versatile additions to various practices. 

Two commonly cultivated species of marigold in India are the African marigold (Tall) and French marigold (Dwarf), each offering distinct characteristics. For many farmers in India, marigold cultivation serves as a significant source of income, highlighting its economic importance. 

Marigold goes by various vernacular names across India:- Genda flower (Hindi) 

Banti puvvu (Telugu) 

Samanthi flower (Tamil) 

Chendu Hoovu (Kannada) 

Jamandhi (Malayalam) 

Gainda (Bengali) 

Jhendu (Marathi) 

To thrive, marigold plants require a temperate climate conducive to robust growth and flowering. The optimal temperature range for their cultivation falls between 18°C to 20°C. Extreme temperatures exceeding 35°C can impede plant development, resulting in diminished flower size and quantity. Additionally, frost during winter poses a threat to plant health, potentially causing damage. 

While marigolds exhibit adaptability to various soil types, they thrive best in well-drained loamy soil with a pH range of 7 to 7.5. It’s crucial to avoid acidic or alkaline soil conditions to ensure healthy growth and blooming of marigold plants. With proper climate and soil conditions, marigold cultivation can flourish, offering not only aesthetic beauty but also economic opportunities for farmers across India. Varieties/Types Of Marigold 

Sowing Time of Marigold Seeds 

Marigold seeds can be sown at various times of the year, offering flexibility in cultivation.  

Planting Season  

Marigolds can be planted during different seasons: 

Summer Ideal for planting from January to February, with transplanting typically done from February to March. Flowers bloom from mid-May to July, albeit with smaller sizes due to high temperatures. However, this period sees higher market demand, resulting in favorable returns. 

Rainy Season Sowing is recommended in mid-June, followed by transplanting in mid-July. Flowers bloom from mid-September to November, fetching good prices in the market due to increased demand. 

Winter Sowing occurs in mid-September, with transplanting in mid-October. The flowering season begins in mid-January, characterized by profuse blooming, superior flower quality, and high yields per unit area. Despite these advantages, market rates tend to be lower during this period. 

These distinct planting seasons offer farmers opportunities to maximize returns based on market demand and the prevailing climatic conditions.  

Seed Rate of Marigold 

For optimal cultivation, the recommended seed rate of Marigold is between 500 to 800 grams per acre. 

Nursery Preparation 

Marigolds are primarily propagated from seeds. Before sowing, it’s advisable to treat the seeds by immersing them in a solution containing 10 ml of and cold jaggery. Ensure the seeds are evenly coated with this solution.  

Prepare nursery beds of convenient dimensions: approximately 75 cm in width, and with a height ranging from 10 to 20 cm. Incorporate a sufficient amount of well-rotted FYM (Farm Yard Manure) into the soil, ensuring thorough mixing. Sow the seeds in rows spaced 5 cm apart, at a depth of 2 to 3 cm. After sowing, cover the seeds with FYM or fine sand, and lightly irrigate using a rose can. Typically, germination occurs within 4 to 5 days post-sowing. Once the seedlings have grown for about a month, they will be ready for transplanting. 

Main Field Preparation and Transplanting 

Prepare the main field by plowing it to achieve a fine tilth. Incorporate approximately 10 tonnes of FYM per acre. It’s advisable to irrigate the field before sowing. 

After about a month from sowing or when the seedlings have developed 4 to 5 leaves, they can be transplanted into the main field. For African Marigold types, transplant the seedlings on one side of the ridge, maintaining a spacing of 45 cm between rows and 45 cm within rows. For French Marigold varieties, maintain a spacing of 30 cm between rows and 30 cm within rows. 

(NOTE: Transplanting is best conducted in the evening when temperatures are relatively cooler.) Fertilizer Requirement for Marigold 

Fertilizer Recommendation for Marigold 

For optimal growth and flowering, the general fertilizer recommendation for marigold is 36:36:30 kg/acre of NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium). 

Irrigation 

After transplanting, it’s crucial to irrigate the plants immediately. Throughout the vegetative growth stage, ensure consistent moisture levels to support healthy plant growth and flower production. The frequency of irrigation varies based on soil type and season. During winter, irrigate at intervals of 8 to 10 days, while in summer, irrigation should occur every 4 to 5 days. However, avoid waterlogging conditions, and maintain a constant supply of moisture from bud formation to harvesting to prevent water stress. 

Intercultural Practices 

Earthing Up Approximately 3 to 4 weeks after transplanting, perform earthing up to enhance plant stability, improve drainage, and suppress weed growth. 

Weed Management Maintain weed-free conditions in the field to facilitate robust plant growth. Manual weeding, typically 4 to 6 times during the growth period, is necessary to control weed growth effectively. 

Pinching Pinching involves removing apical buds to stimulate lateral branching, resulting in bushier plants with more flowers. Although it delays flowering, pinching promotes increased flower production. It’s advisable to perform pinching approximately 40 days after transplanting. Remove the apical bud either by pinching it off with the thumb and forefinger or using a sharp knife or scissors. 

Staking Tall plants, particularly African-type marigolds, may require staking to prevent lodging due to the weight of flowers or strong winds. Support tall plants with bamboo sticks or other suitable materials to ensure upright growth and stability.