Ornamental· Tagetes erecta

Marigold Growing Guide

Annual flower grown for bedding plants, cut flowers, and as an industrial source of lutein for poultry feed and dietary supplements. Also used as a companion plant for pest management.

How Long Does Marigold Take to Grow?

Marigold is typically ready to harvest about 50 days after planting.

Days to Harvest

moderate

Water Needs

full sun

Sun Needs

Growing Conditions

Temperature

18-30°C optimal

Rainfall

400-1000 mm/year

Frost Tolerance

none

Drought Tolerance

moderate

Humidity

moderate tolerance

Heat Tolerance

high

Soil Requirements

Soil Type & pH

Best soil types: loam, sandy loam, well-drained

pH range: 6 - 7.5 (optimal: 6.5)

Drainage: good

Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)

Nitrogen (N)moderate

Phosphorus (P)moderate

Potassium (K)moderate

Planting Guide

Planting Methods

direct seeding, transplanting

Planting Depth

1 cm

Plant Spacing

30 cm apart, 45 cm rows

Planting Season

spring

Yield & Economics

Market Demand

growing

Profitability

medium

Harvests/Year

Common Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

spider mites
whiteflies
slugs
earwigs

Common Diseases

botrytis
powdery mildew
alternaria leaf spot

Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.

Growing Tips

Marigold root exudates suppress nematodes — rotate or interplant with nematode-susceptible crops like tomatoes for biological pest management.

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend blooming; marigolds flower continuously from early summer until frost if properly maintained.

For lutein extraction (industrial use), harvest at full bloom and dry flowers rapidly; lutein content can reach 8-12 g/kg dry weight in African marigold.