Marigold

Water

Rain is enough, even in a dry year.

Needs about 580 mm of water here in its growing months. Rain gives about 1,160 mm it can use in a normal year, and 870 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 / 18 °C
• Oct 23 °C / 15 °C
• Nov 21 °C / 11 °C (outside its best range)
• Dec 18 °C / 8 °C (outside its best range)
• Jan 16 °C / 6 °C (outside its best range)
• Feb 19 °C / 8 °C (outside its best range)
• Mar 22 °C / 11 °C (outside its best range)
• Apr 23 °C / 14 °C

Nights in January 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 more acidic than it likes.
• Most fields here are short of nitrogen.
• Most fields here are short of copper.
• Most fields here are short of boron.

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.