Marigold efficient cultivation techniques
Marigold is a highly versatile plant, widely used in gardens and urban landscaping due to its vibrant and diverse flowers, long blooming period, and ease of cultivation. Among the many varieties, marigold stands out for its high lutein content, making it valuable in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. The domestic demand for natural yellow pigments exceeds 100,000 tons annually, yet the actual market supply is less than 6,000 tons. Internationally, lutein is priced at around 500,000 yuan per ton, and one gram of lutein is equivalent in value to one gram of gold—hence, it's often called "soft gold." As a result, marigold cultivation for lutein extraction has become increasingly popular in regions such as Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Yunnan. In Zhangwu County’s Fengjia Town, marigold was introduced in 2004, and by 2006, it had significantly boosted the local residents' per capita income by over 1,000 yuan.
Marigold thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can tolerate light frosts, surviving short periods of temperatures as low as 2-3°C. It adapts well to various soil types, is easy to transplant, and produces colorful blooms. Its rapid growth, low maintenance, and resistance to pests make it an ideal choice for gardeners and farmers alike.
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 throughout the year, with spring sowing typically resulting in autumn blooms, and summer sowing leading to winter flowers. Germination is quick, and under optimal temperatures of 20-21°C, seedlings emerge within a week. After about two weeks, when the plants have developed around seven leaves, they can be transplanted. The ideal transplanting temperature is around 15°C, and seedlings should be spaced 30-35 cm apart.
Cuttings are best taken from strong, young shoots between May and June, measuring 6-10 cm in length. These cuttings are placed in shaded nurseries using river sand or garden soil as a medium. They should be inserted about 2-3 cm deep and kept moist. Rooting usually occurs within two weeks, and after three weeks, the cuttings can be moved to the field. With proper care, flowering can occur within a month. For large-scale propagation, full sunlight and perlite-based substrates are recommended. High humidity from misting allows for more leaf retention and faster rooting.
In the field, marigold prefers well-drained, fertile soil and generally doesn’t require additional fertilization. However, if the soil is poor, applying a 0.3% urea solution mixed with 0.5% potassium dihydrogen phosphate during bud and bloom stages can enhance growth. Marigold is drought-tolerant, so watering is only necessary during extremely dry summers.
Pruning is essential to maintain plant shape and promote healthy growth. Removing side buds early encourages stronger terminal growth and better flower arrangement. During summer, when plants tend to become leggy, timely pruning helps control height. Pinching back the top bud leads to shorter, more compact plants with earlier and more controlled flowering. Due to its long blooming period, marigold may become weak later on, so removing old flowers, dead leaves, and dense branches is important. Taller varieties should be supported with double wires to prevent lodging caused by wind.
Pest control is crucial, especially during hot and dry summers. Spider mites are a common threat, and preventive measures such as selecting well-ventilated plots and applying low-toxicity pesticides early can help manage infestations effectively. With proper care, marigold remains a rewarding and profitable crop for both ornamental and commercial purposes.
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