African Marigold (Tagetes Erecta L.)

Varieties

Local types (orange & yellow), Pusa Narangi Gainda, Pusa Basanthi Gainda (IARI varieties) and MDU 1 can be cultivated.

Soil

Well drained loamy soil is found suitable. The soil pH should be 7.0 to 7.5. Saline and acidic soils are not suitable for cultivation.

Seeds and sowing

The seeds are sown throughout the year. Nursery is raised with 1.5 kg seeds/ha and the seedlings are transplanted after four weeks on one side of the ridge at 45 x 35 cm spacing. Treat the seeds with Azospirillum (200 g in 50 ml of rice gruel) before sowing.

Irrigation

Irrigation is done once in a week or as and when necessary. Water stagnation should be avoided.

Manuring

During last ploughing, incorporate 25t/ha of FYM. Apply 45:90:75 kg NPK/ha as basal and 45 kg N/ha as top dressing 45 days after planting.

After cultivation

Weeding should be done as and when necessary. Irrigation should be given immediately after planting and life irrigation on third day after planting. Water stagnation should be avoided. Based on the soil moisture condition, irrigation should be done.

Nipping/tipping

Thirty days after planting terminal portion should be tipped / removed to encourage the branching.

Crop duration

The crop duration is about 130 - 150 days.

Harvest

Flowers are picked once in 3 days beginning from 60 days after planting.

Yield

Flowers : 30 - 35 t/ha.