Raipur : With the onset of winter season, the enthusiasm for planting marigold flowers has increased rapidly among the home gardeners of the city. The time of growth and flowering of plants is considered better in winter, hence December – January is said to be the most appropriate time to plant marigold. Raipur’s well-known gardening expert Kunal said that planting marigold in the home garden in this season is very easy and also the best way to make the house colorful at low cost.
most liked plant
According to Kunal, desi marigold is traditionally the most preferred plant, but due to its higher height, people now prefer hybrid and Chandeni varieties instead. Both these varieties produce spectacular flowers at low heights and can be easily grown in pots. He told that hybrid marigold is available in orange and yellow colors, which looks very attractive. The height of these plants usually ranges from two and a half to three feet and once the growth starts, the pot is filled with flowers, which completely nourish the garden.
10 inch pot absolutely perfect
Selection of pot before planting marigold is very important. Kunal says that if only one plant is to be planted then a 10 inch pot is perfect. Whereas for planting two or three plants together, a 14 inch pot is considered best. Only in a pot of the right size can the roots of the plant spread and the number of flowers also increases.
The balance of soil and fertilizer is also important at the time of planting trees. He advised that a mixture of cow dung and soil should be used in the pot, although vermi compost is better than cow dung for regular care. Light pruning is necessary once every 15 days, due to which new branches emerge in the plant and the ability to produce flowers increases. Apart from this, by hoeing and adding vermi compost every few days, the plant grows faster.
Often people believe that plants are given less water during the cold season, but according to Kunal, this is a misconception. He said that plants need more water in winter than in summer, hence it is necessary to do light irrigation in the morning and evening.
It is advised to use liquid fertilizer of DAP and NPK for early and more flowering of marigold plant. However, it should not be poured directly on the roots of the plant but should be poured on the sides of the pot, so that the plant remains safe and its growth also improves. By planting small micro plants, results are obtained in 15 – 20 days, whereas by planting big plants, flowers start blooming in just 7 – 10 days.
Availability of plants is also easy in Raipur. In the city’s famous Star Nursery, marigold plants are available single for Rs 30 and pair for Rs 50. In this winter, if you want to decorate the balcony, terrace or small garden of your house with colorful flowers, then planting marigold is one of the simplest and attractive options.
