African marigold orenge

African Marigold – Package of Practices (POP)

 African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) Practices:

1. African Marigold grows best in hot, sunny climates with 6–7 hours of sunlight.

2. Use well-drained, fertile loamy soil with pH 6.0–7.5.

3. Sow seeds in nursery beds or pots at 0.5–1 cm depth.

4. Seeds germinate in 5–10 days under warm conditions.

5. Transplant seedlings when they are 3–4 weeks old.

6. Maintain spacing of 30–40 cm between plants in the field.

7. Apply NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer at planting and again during growth.

8. Irrigate moderately; avoid waterlogging to prevent root diseases.

9. Control pests like aphids and leaf miners using neem oil or safe pesticides.

10. Flowers are ready for harvest in 60–70 days, ideal for garlands and decoration.