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Marigold, also known as Tagetes, is a highly versatile plant that is widely used for ornamental and ecological purposes due to its vibrant colors, diverse flowering patterns, long blooming period, and ease of cultivation. One of the most valuable components of marigold is lutein, a natural yellow pigment found in its petals. Lutein is extensively used in the pharmaceutical and food industries, with domestic demand exceeding 100,000 tons annually. However, the current market supply is less than 6,000 tons, making it extremely valuable. In fact, the international price of lutein is around 500,000 yuan per ton, and one gram of lutein is equivalent in value to one gram of gold—hence the nickname "soft gold." Due to its high lutein content, marigold has become an economically promising crop in regions like Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Yunnan. For instance, Fengjia Town in Zhangwu County introduced marigold planting in 2004, and by 2006, it had significantly increased the per capita income by 1,000 yuan.
Marigold thrives in warm, sunny environments and is resistant to early frosts, able to survive short periods of temperatures as low as 2-3°C. It adapts well to various soil types and is easy to transplant. Its flowers are colorful and grow rapidly, with fewer pest and disease problems compared to other crops.
For propagation, marigold can be grown from seeds or through cuttings. Seed propagation is commonly used for large-scale farming, while cuttings are often used for rare varieties. Seeds can be sown year-round, typically in spring for autumn blooms or in summer for winter flowers. Germination is quick, and seedlings usually emerge within a week at 20-21°C. After about two weeks, when the plants have around seven leaves, they can be transplanted. The ideal temperature for seedling growth is 15°C, and the seedlings should be planted when they reach 10-13 cm in height, spaced 30-35 cm apart.
For cuttings, young shoots with 3-4 nodes and 6-10 cm in length are selected in May or June and placed in shaded nurseries. The cutting medium can be river sand or garden soil, and the cuttings should be inserted about 2-3 cm deep. Keeping the soil moist helps root development, which typically takes around two weeks. After three weeks, the rooted cuttings can be moved to the field, and flowers will appear within a month. For large-scale cuttings, full light exposure and perlite as a growing medium are recommended. High humidity from misting allows for more open foliage, and roots usually develop within a week.
In the field, marigold prefers sunny, loose, and fertile soil. Fertilization is generally not needed unless the soil is poor, in which case a 0.3% urea solution and 0.5% potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be sprayed during bud and flower stages. Marigold is drought-tolerant and only requires watering when the soil becomes exceptionally dry in summer.
Pruning is essential for maintaining plant health and appearance. Removing buds at the seedling stage encourages terminal growth and elongation of pedicels, helping to shape flower beds. In summer, plants may become leggy, so timely pruning is necessary to control height. Removing the top bud results in shorter plants with earlier flowering and better control over bloom timing. As the plant grows, older stems and leaves should be removed to prevent overcrowding and promote air circulation. Taller varieties need support, such as double wires, to prevent lodging from wind.
Pest management is crucial, especially in hot and dry summers when marigold is vulnerable to pests. Ensuring good ventilation and applying low-toxicity, high-efficiency pesticides early can help prevent infestations. Regular monitoring and prompt action are key to maintaining healthy marigold crops.