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PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS Soil should be collected in a garden pot mixed with well rotten cow dung or manure. Broadcast the seeds over the soil bed and cover it with a thin layer of sieved sand to allow germination. Maintain a distance of 1.0 feet between the plants. Sprinkle little water and then as per requirement keeping the soil moist. Flowering starts after 45-50 days post transplant which continues for 100-120 days depending on the variety. GROWING REQUIREMENTS PESTS Marigolds are susceptible to damping off (Rhizoctonia solani) and pests like collar rat, Sclerotium rolfsii, Botrytis cinerea, Powdery mildew and cucumber mosaic. The major symptom for these pests is light brown spots on the lower leaves or on early seedlings. To prevent these diseases, ensure proper drainage and ventilation and avoid over watering. SOIL Sandy loamy soil with pH 5.6 to 6.5 is ideal for its cultivation. SPOT Place in a spot that receives either full sun or partial sunlight. TEMPERATURE 20-25°C WATERING Regular watering keeps the flowers healthy. You can use a water can or a water spray. HOW TO HARVEST For harvesting marigold, loose flowers are plucked when they attain full size depending upon the variety. Flowers should generally be harvested in the morning hours. Irrigation of soil with water,before plucking, gives better flower quality. Also, plucking of flowers regularly and removal of dried flowers enhances the yield.