A Detailed Guide to Growing Marigolds (Golden Chrysanthemum)

Marigold, also known as stinking marigold, honeycomb chrysanthemum, scorpion chrysanthemum, etc., originated in Mexico and was later introduced into our country as an ornamental plant. Because of its bright and gorgeous colors, it is often used for garden landscaping. So, how much does a marigold plant cost? What growing methods are there for marigolds? Let's take a look together!

1. How much does a marigold plant cost?

Marigold is not an expensive flower variety; its price is very cheap, generally around a few jiao per plant, and potted plants are not expensive either, costing around ten yuan or so for a pot. The price of dried marigold flowers is around 50 yuan per jin. Because of its bright and gorgeous colors and low price, marigold is often used for flowerbed landscaping. Its flowers and leaves, when used as medicine, have effects such as calming the liver and clearing heat, and dispelling wind and resolving phlegm.

2. Marigold growing methods

1. Land preparation and fertilization

When planting marigolds, it is best to choose a plot with no waterlogging, good air permeability, convenient irrigation and drainage, exposure to the sun, and relatively high organic matter content. Apply 30 m3 of organic fertilizer, 300 kg of diammonium, and 100 kg of potassium fertilizer per hectare. Generally, transplanting begins in late May and ends before the end of May.

2. Transplanting techniques

One day before transplanting marigolds, water thoroughly to moisten the bottom soil, which is beneficial to the growth of the flower seedlings. Use 70 cm ridges for water culture, and add an appropriate amount of phoxim to the water to prevent and control insect pests. The plant spacing is 35-40 cm, with 2600-3000 seedlings retained per mu.

3. Fertilizer and water management

If marigolds are planted in sunny, loose, and fertile soil, no fertilization is needed. If the soil conditions are poor, during peak growth periods such as the bud and flowering stages, spray the leaves 3 times with 0.3% urea solution. In summer, water according to conditions; in autumn, winter, and spring, no watering is needed.

4. Shaping and pruning

Pruning marigolds is relatively simple. During the seedling stage, remove side buds to promote the growth of the terminal buds. In summer, prune in time to control height and prevent excessive growth. At the same time, promptly cut off overly dense stems and leaves and spent flowers to avoid consuming too many nutrients, which is beneficial to the growth of the flower seedlings.

5. Pest control

Marigold pests include mole crickets, white grubs, red spiders, aphids, etc. For mole crickets and white grubs, apply 0.75-1 kg per mu of 3% carbofuran or 5% phorate granules into the soil together with transplanting. For red spiders and aphids, use 1.8% abamectin and quick-kill agents for control.

6. Disease control

Marigold diseases are mainly damping-off, leaf spot, root rot, etc. Prevention should be the main focus, and diseases should be controlled in a timely manner. Diseases are prone to occur during the bud stage, so a fungicide should be applied once before the bud stage. Seed soaking and disinfection can also be carried out before sowing.

7. Timely harvesting

The harvesting standard for marigolds is when the petals are fully unfolded and the stamens are partially open or not open. When they reach 80-90% maturity, the yield is relatively high. When harvesting, the flowers should have no water droplets and no mildew, and the flower stalk length should not exceed 1 cm. After harvesting, send them immediately to the flower factory.

The above is the introduction to marigold growing methods compiled for you by Tuliu.com. We hope it can help you!