In India, Marigold is a popular flower, used in religious events, weddings, and decorations. Its bright yellow and orange colors and strong fragrance make it special. Farmers grow this flower because it is easy to care for, grows quickly, and brings good profit. It grows in various soils and weather conditions and is thus good for both small and large farms.
In this guide, you will learn all the necessary steps and tips required to cultivate this flower successfully and get a good return.
Things to Know Before You Start Marigold Farming
Before planting, you should know about the land, climate, and water requirements. Marigold flourishes in places with proper sunlight and space. It is possible to grow the flower almost throughout the year, but it yields well during winter and rainy seasons.
The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Loamy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is perfect for farming. If the soil is too hard or dry, you can use a tractor with a rotavator to plough and prepare the land.
Step-by-Step Process of Marigold Farming
Growing Marigold requires following a careful process from preparing the land to harvesting. The steps given are simple to follow and help ensure a healthy crop and good harvest.
1. Land Preparation
It is very important to prepare the land to grow healthy flowers and get a healthy harvest. First, clean the land by removing all weeds and stones. Then, plough the soil deeply to make it soft and loose.
Small farmers can use a mini tractor to do this work easily and quickly. After ploughing, make the soil level and break it into small pieces. This helps in making a good seedbed. When the land is prepared well, plant roots grow better and take in more nutrients. This gives better growth.
2. Nursery Preparation
Marigold plants usually begin in a small nursery. First, buy good-quality seeds from a trusted source and make a small nursery bed using soft soil mixed with compost or cow dung. Sow the seeds in the soil and give a little water.
The seeds will start growing in 5 to 7 days. Also, keep the nursery in a place with some shade and water it every day. After about 25 to 30 days, the small plants (called seedlings) will be ready to move to the main field.
3. Transplanting
When the seedlings grow to 4 to 6 inches tall, you can move them to the main field. Make rows in the field and plant the seedlings, keeping a gap of 30 to 40 cm between each one. This space helps the plants grow well and spread easily.
Farmers should carry out transplantation in the evening or early morning to avoid the heat. Irrigate the field soon after transplanting to establish the seedlings.
4. Watering
After planting marigolds, water the field properly. Then, give water every 7 to 10 days. But make sure the water does not stay in the field for too long, as marigold roots do not like too much water. If water stands in the soil, the roots can get damaged.
In the rainy season, you don’t need to water the plants unless there is no rain for many days. Always check the soil before watering. If the soil is already wet, wait before giving more water. Too much water can cause plant diseases and root rot. Giving the right amount of water helps marigold plants grow well and produce more healthy flowers.
5. Weed Control and Care
Keep the field neat and clear away weeds on a regular basis. Weeds absorb nutrients from the soil and prevent the flowers from developing well. You can do this with hand equipment or tractor-mounted weeders. Also, some soil should be added at the plant base to make it strong.
Apart from this, you can also provide a little organic or balanced fertilizer at the flowering stage to boost production.
6. Flowering
This process takes place around 45 to 60 days from sowing, depending upon variety and growing conditions. Tiny buds form that bloom into bright, vibrant flowers gradually. The plants give blooms every day for some weeks when they grow well. They need water often and sunlight to stay healthy and look nice. Because they bloom for several days, most farmers and gardeners like to grow them.
7. Harvesting
Farmers start picking the flowers when they are fully open and have bright colours. This usually happens about 70 to 90 days after planting. They harvest early in the morning because the flowers are fresh and cool at that time. Farmers cut the flowers gently by hand so they don’t get damaged.
After cutting, they put the flowers in baskets or containers. Then, they quickly take them to the market or storage place to stop them from drying out or wilting. If farmers harvest carefully, the flowers stay fresh for a longer time and look better. This helps them sell the flowers at a good price. Good harvesting also keeps the flowers strong and of high quality.
8. Post-Harvesting
After harvesting, it is important to handle them gently to keep them fresh and colourful. They should be picked in the early morning and sorted quickly. Packing in baskets and fast transport to market helps prevent spoilage and ensures good quality. Proper post-harvest practices also enable the farmer to get better prices. For small-sized farms, the Indo Farm Mini tractor is helpful in transporting quickly. This makes this process easier and saves time.
Conclusion
Marigold farming is a good option for farmers who want to earn money quickly with less investment. It is an easy and profitable work that suits both small and big farmers in India. It can be easily cultivated and is in high demand in the market. With the right tractor and simple farming skills, anybody can successfully cultivate this flower.