Effect of planting time, spacing and nitrogen levels on yield and quality of African Marigold (Tagetes Erecta Linn.)

Studies were made to find out the effect of planting time, spacing and nitrogen levels on yield and quality of African marigold (Tagetes erecta Linn) at Herbal Garden, ANGRAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, during rabi season of 2004–2005. Among the three different dates of planting viz., October, November and December tried, October planting recorded maximum flower diameter, yield per plant and yield per hectare. Maximum colour intensity was recorded in December planting. Within three spacings viz., 40 x 30 cm, 50 x 30 cm and 60 x 30 cm, closet spacing of 40 x 30 cm recorded maximum flower diameter, yield per plant and yield per hectare. Wider spacing of 60 x 30 cm recorded maximum colour intensity. Among three nitrogen levels of 100,150 and 200 kg per hectare tried, 100 kg N/ha recorded maximum flower diameter, yield per plant, yield per hectare and colour intensity.