Marigold is one of the most popular, annual, free flowering, and short-duration flowering crops. These flowers are known for their vibrant orange and yellow blooms, which add a cheerful touch to gardens and landscapes. Marigolds are native to Mexico and Central America but are now grown worldwide. In India, major marigold-growing states are Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. They are widely grown for their use in various religious and cultural ceremonies. In addition to their ornamental value, marigolds are also known for their medicinal and culinary uses. Commonly cultivated marigold species are African marigold (Tall) and French marigold (Dwarf). Marigold cultivation is an important source of income for many farmers in India.
African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are beloved for their sunny color and ability to bloom non-stop from spring to frost. To enjoy these cheery flowers fresh in bouquets or as dried flowers, it’s important to know the best time and method for harvesting them. Take some tips from experienced gardeners on identifying peak bloom times and techniques for gathering vibrant marigold flowers.
Know When Marigolds Are Ready to Pick
Marigolds will bloom steadily throughout the growing season However, the blooms last longest when cut during their peak Follow these tips for identifying the perfect stage to harvest
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Wait until flowers are fully open and mature Do not pick buds or partially opened flowers, as they will not last as long
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Blooms are best in mid-morning, when they are fully open but still fresh and vibrant.
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Choose flowers that are bright, without discoloration or signs of age. Older blooms will fade faster.
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Sniff test! Flowers with the strongest fragrance have the best flavor and longest vase life
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Monitor your plant’s habits. Blooms picked right after the morning opening will last the longest.
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Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage an abundant harvest.
Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting marigolds. Pick blooms at their freshest stage for maximum enjoyment, whether using them fresh or preserving them to enjoy year-round.
Pick Blooms for Optimal Vase Life
To enjoy marigolds freshly cut, follow these steps for the longest lasting blooms:
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Use clean, sharp shears or garden scissors for a clean cut. Tearing can damage the bloom.
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Cut stems on an angle to maximize water intake. Remove leaves below waterline.
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Harvest in early morning before heat builds, when flowers are coolest.
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Submerge immediately in cool water, recutting stems under water. Use floral preservative if desired.
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Display out of direct sun in a clean vase. Change water every 2-3 days.
Follow proper post-harvest care and your fresh cut marigolds can last up to a week, brightening any space with their bold colors.
Dry Marigolds for Long-Lasting Enjoyment
You can also dry marigolds to preserve them for arrangements and crafts. Follow these steps for the best dried flowers:
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Gather blooms in the morning once fully opened and vibrantly colored.
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Cut stems long, at least 6 inches. Remove any foliage.
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Gather small bunches, securing stems together with rubber bands. Hang upside down in a dark, dry area.
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For quicker drying, place blooms face-down on a screen or baking rack in a warm spot out of direct light.
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Check for dryness frequently. Fully dried flowers will crumble slightly when touched.
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To preserve color, spray with UV resistant sealant once fully dry.
With proper drying and storage, dried marigolds can last over a year, allowing you to enjoy their warm hues all year long.
Get the Most from Your Marigold Harvest
Follow these tips to maximize your marigold harvest:
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Deadhead spent blooms frequently to encourage more flowers.
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Fertilize plants regularly to support vigorous growth. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Water thoroughly when top inch of soil is dry. Consistent moisture prevents flower drop.
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Monitor for pests like spider mites that can reduce flowering. Take action early.
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Stake tall varieties to prevent wind damage during summer storms.
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Extend the harvest by planting both early and late blooming varieties.
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Make successive plantings 3 weeks apart for flowers all season long.
With the right care and regular harvesting, each marigold plant can produce hundreds of bright blooms to enjoy.
Enjoy Marigolds Year-Round
Learning when and how to harvest marigolds allows you to enjoy their vibrant colors and fragrance year-round. Follow best practices for identifying peak bloom time, post-harvest care, and drying. With each harvest, share the sunshine-filled blooms in bouquets, art projects, and arrangements. By mastering how to gather marigolds at their prime, you can brighten your home with their beauty all year long.
Main field Preparation and Transplanting
Plough the field to a fine tilth and then incorporate 10 tonnes of FYM for a one-acre field. The field should be irrigated before sowing. Seedlings can be used for transplanting after 1 month of sowing or when they have 4 – 5 leaves. Transplant the seedlings in the main field on one side of the ridge at 45 cm between the row and 45 cm within the row for the African Marigold type and 30 cm between the row and 30 cm within the row in the case of French Marigold.
(NOTE: Transplanting can be done in the evening when the temperature is relatively low)
Seed rate of Marigold
500 – 800 gm/acre
Marigolds are usually propagated through seeds. Before sowing, treat the seeds by mixing 10 ml of Azospirillum in a cold jaggery solution and evenly coat it on the seed surface. Prepare nursery beds of convenient length, 75 cm width, and 10 – 20 cm height. Apply a sufficient quantity of well-rotten FYM and mix them properly with the soil. Sow the seeds in rows 5 cm apart. The depth of the sowing should be 2 – 3 cm. Cover the seeds with FYM or fine sand and then give light irrigation with a rose can. The seeds will germinate within 4 – 5 days after sowing. Seedlings will be ready for transplanting after one month of sowing.