Marigold

Water

Rain is enough, even in a dry year.

Needs about 830 mm of water here in its growing months. Rain gives about 1,270 mm it can use in a normal year, and 1,060 mm in a dry year.

Heavy rain here can waterlog it. Grow it on raised beds or land that drains well.

Temperature

Grows best at 18–27 °C on average, and survives 11–34 °C.

Here, in its growing months (day / night):

• Sep 24 °C / 16 °C
• Oct 22 °C / 12 °C (outside its best range)
• Nov 18 °C / 6 °C (outside its best range)
• Dec 15 °C / 3 °C (outside its best range)
• Jan 13 °C / 1 °C (outside its best range)
• Feb 14 °C / 2 °C (outside its best range)
• Mar 17 °C / 5 °C (outside its best range)
• Apr 20 °C / 9 °C (outside its best range)
• May 23 °C / 13 °C (outside its best range)
• Jun 25 °C / 16 °C
• Jul 25 °C / 17 °C

Nights in November can bring frost. When frost is forecast, water the field lightly in the evening.

Soil

Soil for Marigold: 7 out of 10 (okay).

• Soil here is often too acidic for it.
• Most fields here are short of phosphorus.
• Most fields here are short of potassium.
• Most fields here are short of sulphur.

Likes pH 6.0–7.0.

Money

Yield: about 49 quintals an acre, the typical figure across India (no figures for your state).

No mandi or support price for this crop yet.