marigold flower farming, genda flower cultivation, marigold farming profit, how to grow marigold, flower farming in India, uses of genda flower, marigold business, organic flower farming
🌱 Introduction: Why Marigold (Genda) Flower Farming?
Marigold, known as Genda in Hindi, is one of the most commercially important flowers cultivated across India. Its vibrant yellow and orange blooms are widely used in religious ceremonies, weddings, festivals, decorations, medicines, cosmetics, and even pest control. Marigold farming is a low-investment, high-return venture that even small-scale farmers can easily adopt.
With a short growing cycle of just 60–75 days and high market demand year-round, marigold has become a top choice for those looking to earn consistent income from flower cultivation.
🌼 Types and Varieties of Marigold Flowers
Marigold is mainly classified into two major types:
- African Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
Large flowers, mostly yellow or orange.
Tall plants (up to 3 feet).
High yield.
Suitable for commercial flower production.
- French Marigold (Tagetes patula)
Smaller flowers with mixed colors (red, orange, yellow).
Shorter plants (less than 1.5 feet).
Bushy and ornamental.
Ideal for home gardens and landscaping.
Popular High-Yielding Varieties:
Pusa Narangi Gainda
Pusa Basanti Gainda
Pusa Arpita
Hybrid African Marigold
Golden Yellow, Orange Flame (French types)
🌾 Ideal Climate and Soil Conditions
☀️ Climate:
Marigold grows well in warm, sunny climates.
Temperature: 18°C to 30°C is ideal.
Can be grown in all seasons (summer, monsoon, winter).
🌍 Soil:
Loamy, well-drained soil with pH 6.5–7.5 is ideal.
Avoid water-logged or saline soil.
Add organic matter (compost/farmyard manure) to enrich fertility.
📅 Best Time for Cultivation
Season Sowing Time Flowering Time
Kharif June – July September – October
Rabi October – November January – February
Summer February – March May – June
🔧 Land Preparation and Planting Method
- Soil Preparation
Plow the land 2–3 times to make it fine and weed-free.
Add 20–25 tons of well-decomposed FYM (farmyard manure) per hectare during final plowing.
Level the land and prepare raised beds or rows.
- Seed Rate and Nursery
Use 1 to 1.5 kg of seed per hectare.
Prepare nursery beds (1 meter wide) and sow seeds 0.5 cm deep.
Water lightly and cover with mulch.
Seedlings are ready for transplanting in 30–35 days.
- Transplantation
Transplant 4–5 week-old seedlings in the main field.
Spacing:
Row to row: 45–60 cm
Plant to plant: 30–40 cm
Transplant in the evening or cloudy day to reduce transplant shock.
💧 Irrigation and Weed Control
💦 Irrigation:
First irrigation immediately after transplanting.
Summer: Every 7–10 days.
Winter: Every 10–15 days.
Avoid over-irrigation and waterlogging.
🌿 Weed Management:
Keep the field weed-free, especially during the first 30–40 days.
2–3 manual weedings are sufficient.
Mulching can also reduce weed growth and retain soil moisture.
🐛 Pest and Disease Management
Pest/Disease Symptoms Control Measures
Leaf Blight Brown spots on leaves Spray Mancozeb 2.5g/liter water
Powdery Mildew White powder on leaves Apply wettable sulfur spray
Aphids (mahu) Leaf curling, sticky honeydew Spray Imidacloprid 0.5ml/liter water
Root rot Wilting, root decay Treat soil with Trichoderma before sowing
🌸 Flower Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
First harvest begins 60–70 days after transplanting.
Peak flowering continues for 1.5 to 2 months.
Harvest flowers early in the morning or evening for freshness.
Handpick mature flowers every 2–3 days.
Remove old, dried flowers to encourage new blooming.
🌼 Post-Harvest Care:
Keep flowers in cool shade.
Pack in bamboo baskets, crates, or cloth bags.
Transport immediately to avoid spoilage.
💰 Cost and Profit Analysis
Input Cost (Per Hectare in ₹)
Seeds 3,000 – 5,000
Fertilizers & Pesticides 8,000 – 12,000
Irrigation & Labor 12,000 – 18,000
Weeding & Miscellaneous 5,000 – 7,000
Total Cost ₹30,000 – ₹45,000
🌟 Income and Profit:
Average yield: 80–120 quintals/hectare
Average market price: ₹30–100/kg (varies by season and location)
Gross income: ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000/hectare
Net profit: ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000/hectare per crop cycle
Marigold can be cultivated 3 times a year, making it a highly profitable venture.
🎯 Major Uses of Marigold Flowers
- Religious and Cultural Use
Widely used in temples, religious rituals, festivals like Diwali, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi.
Wreaths and garlands for weddings, spiritual events.
- Decoration and Landscaping
Home gardens, parks, hotels, banquet halls.
Wedding stage decorations and floral arrangements.
- Medicinal Uses
Marigold flowers are used in Ayurvedic and herbal medicines.
Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing properties.
Used in skin ointments, oils, and herbal teas.
- Cosmetic Industry
Extracts used in face creams, body oils, soaps, and perfumes.
Natural ingredient for skin healing and beauty products.
- Natural Pest Control
Acts as a companion plant to repel harmful insects.
Extracts are used to prepare organic bio-pesticides.
- Natural Dyes
Used for making organic yellow and orange dyes.
Employed in fabric dyeing, Holi colors, and art supplies.
- Animal Feed and Poultry
Marigold petal powder is mixed in poultry feed to improve egg yolk color.
🛒 Marketing and Sales Channels
- Local Flower Markets (Mandis)
Sell directly to traders, retailers, and event decorators.
- Temples and Event Planners
Direct supply contracts during festivals and weddings.
- Online Selling
List products on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket, etc.
Use WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook for local orders.
- Export
Marigold extracts and dry petals are exported to Europe and the USA.
📢 Government Schemes and Support
National Horticulture Mission (NHM): Offers training and subsidy.
NABARD: Provides credit and low-interest loans for flower farming.
Agricultural Universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Offer free training and guidance.
✅ Advantages of Marigold Farming
Fast-growing and multiple harvests a year.
Low input cost and high profit margin.
Huge demand in religious, festive, and decorative markets.
Eco-friendly and supports organic farming.
Can be grown on small lands and even in pots.
📌 Conclusion
Marigold flower farming is a highly rewarding agricultural business. With its wide range of uses, low input cost, and fast-growing cycle, it provides sustainable income even for marginal farmers. Whether you’re a beginner in farming or an experienced grower looking to diversify, marigold cultivation is a smart, beautiful, and profitable choice.
📣 Bonus Tip
You can start marigold farming in just 1 acre with a budget of ₹15,000–₹20,000 and expect ₹50,000+ in return within 70–90 days!
📲 If you found this blog helpful, share it with fellow farmers and entrepreneurs. Let’s grow together with flowers and profits! 🌼
✍️ Author: Real Neel
Founder – World Farmer Story
Get in Touch: worldfarmerstory@gmail.com