Climate & Sunlight

• Climate: Prefers a mild climate; extreme heat or cold can affect growth and flowering.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for vibrant blooms.

🌱 Soil Preparation

• Soil Type: Best grown in well-drained loamy soil with a pH of 7.0–7.5.
• Organic Matter: Incorporate 25 tons/ha of farmyard manure (FYM) during the final ploughing.
• Fertilization: Apply 45:90:75 kg NPK/ha as a basal dose and 45 kg N/ha as top dressing 45 days after transplanting.

🌿 Sowing & Transplanting

• Seed Sowing: Sow seeds in a nursery bed using about 1.5 kg seeds/ha.
• Transplanting: Move seedlings to the main field after 4 weeks, spacing them at 45 × 35 cm on one side of the ridge.
• Seed Treatment: Treat seeds with Azospirillum (200 g in 50 ml rice gruel) before sowing to enhance germination.

💧 Irrigation & Maintenance

• Watering: Irrigate weekly or as needed; avoid water stagnation.
• Weeding: Perform regular weeding to reduce competition and improve plant health.
• Pinching: Pinch terminal growth to promote bushier plants and more flower heads.
• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.