Livelihood generation through marigold cultivation round the year

Abstract

Among the loose flower crops, marigold flowers are widely being used for floral decorations,floral arrangements, religious offerings etc. Marigold is reported to be native of Central andSouth America, especially Mexico. The genus Tagetes comprising about 33 species of whichTegetes erecta (African Marigold), Tegetes patula (French Marigold) and Tagetes minuta(Wild Marigold) are under commercial cultivation in India. Amongst these, T. erecta iscommonly grown for their exquisite blooms and also natural dye (xanthophyll) extraction,while the later species is used for its essential oils. Apart from cut flower purpose, marigold ishighly used for beautification as a pot plant and also used in landscaping as a bedding plant,in a herbaceous border, shrubberies to provide colour and fill the spaces. French marigold ismost ideal for rockery, edging, hanging basket and window boxes.