Marigold efficient cultivation techniques

Chrysanthemum is widely used in gardens and urban landscaping due to its vibrant, diverse flowers, long blooming period, and ease of cultivation. Marigold, on the other hand, is highly valued for its petals rich in lutein, a natural yellow pigment with significant applications in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. The domestic demand for natural yellow pigments exceeds 100,000 tons annually, yet the actual market supply remains below 6,000 tons. Internationally, lutein is priced at around 500,000 yuan per ton, making it as valuable as gold—often referred to as “soft gold.” Due to its high lutein content, marigold has become a popular crop in regions like Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Yunnan, where farmers cultivate it specifically for lutein extraction. In Fengjia Town, Zhangwu County, marigold was introduced in 2004, and by 2006, it had boosted per capita income by 1,000 yuan. Marigold thrives in warm, sunny environments and can tolerate light frosts, even surviving short periods of 2–3°C. It adapts well to various soil types, is easy to transplant, and produces vibrant, colorful blooms. Its rapid growth, low maintenance, and resistance to pests make it an ideal choice for both ornamental and commercial use. For propagation, marigold can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Seed propagation is commonly used for large-scale planting, while cuttings are preferred for rare varieties. Seeds can be sown year-round, typically in spring for autumn blooms or summer for winter flowers. Germination is quick, and seedlings usually emerge within a week when temperatures are between 20–21°C. After about two weeks, seedlings with around seven leaves can be transplanted. The ideal temperature for seedling growth is 15°C, and plants should be spaced 30–35 cm apart. Early-maturing varieties bloom in about 40 days, while late-maturing ones take around 90 days, with a flowering period lasting up to two months. For cuttings, young shoots with 3–4 nodes and 6–10 cm length are taken from healthy stems and placed in shaded nurseries. The rooting medium can be river sand or garden soil, and cuttings should be inserted 2–3 cm deep. Keeping the soil moist helps roots develop within two weeks, and after three weeks, they can be moved to the field. Flowering typically occurs within a month. For large-scale propagation, full sunlight and perlite as a growing medium are recommended. Increased humidity from misting allows for more leaf retention compared to traditional methods, and rooting is usually visible within a week. In the field, marigold prefers well-drained, fertile soil and generally does not require additional fertilization. However, if the soil is poor, a foliar spray of 0.3% urea and 0.5% potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be applied during bud and flower development. Marigold is drought-tolerant, so watering is only necessary during extremely dry summers. Pruning is essential to maintain plant health and appearance. Removing buds at the seedling stage encourages strong terminal growth and better flower arrangement. In summer, plants may become leggy, so timely pruning helps control height. Pinching back the top bud results in shorter, earlier-flowering plants. As the plant matures, removing old flowers, dry leaves, and dense branches ensures continued blooming. Tall varieties should be supported with double wires to prevent lodging caused by wind. Pest management is crucial, especially during hot, dry weather when marigold is vulnerable to spider mites. Ensuring good air circulation and using safe, low-toxicity pesticides early can help prevent infestations. Regular monitoring and prompt action are key to maintaining healthy crops.

Old Products

ZHONGSHAN G.H.L. TRADING CO., LTD. , https://www.ghltrade.com