Model for growing marigolds on red soil
(Baonghean.vn) - Gerbera daisies are a traditional flower that has existed for a long time, but farmers in Nghia Dan district have now successfully crossbred them to generate high income and meet the demand for flowers during Tet (Lunar New Year).
Ms. Cao Thi Thuy, from Minh Son hamlet, Nghia Minh commune, was the first person to grow gerbera daisies commercially in the area. When she first started, Ms. Thuy faced many difficulties with the techniques for planting and caring for gerbera daisies. After researching and learning about planting techniques andcaring for marigold flowersThrough books, newspapers, visits, research, and learning from the experiences of gerbera growers in the southern provinces.
Thanks to this, after three months of planting, the rows of marigolds bloomed profusely and were ready for harvest. Seeing the increasing demand for marigolds, she boldly cross-pollinated the traditional red double-flowered marigold variety with hybrid marigold varieties to create new and unique flower colors that are loved by many.
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| The model of growing marigold flowers by Ms. Cao Thi Thuy's family. Photo: Minh Thai |
Ms. Thuy shared, "I love flowers, and seeing how many beautiful varieties of marigolds people grow, I also boldly researched and hybridized many colors. My family has 3,000 pots ready for Tet (Lunar New Year), and we plan to expand the area next year."
Sharing about planting techniques andcaring for marigold flowersMs. Thuy said: “To grow marigolds, the soil must be loose, well-drained, rich in humus, and have a controlled irrigation system. The plants should be grown on raised beds 30-35cm high and 1.5-1.6m wide to prevent root rot. Marigolds cannot tolerate high direct sunlight and frost. Therefore, when watering, do not spray water forcefully across the entire bed, as this will compact the soil, causing the plants to fall over and dirtying the leaves, harming the plants. Marigolds also do not like excessive moisture, so water them once every 2-3 days.”
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| The traditional red double gerbera daisy has been crossbred with other varieties to produce many new flower colors. Photo: Minh Thai |
Money plant (Pachira aquatica) is an easy-to-grow flower, well-suited to red soil, and resistant to pests and diseases. With proper care, the plant can remain rooted for 3-4 years. Currently, in addition to selling flowers on holidays, the family is busy caring for the plants, potting them, and preparing them for the market.Lunar New YearComing soon. On average, each pot costs between 150,000 and 500,000 VND.
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| People visit a model farm growing marigolds. Photo: Minh Thai |
Not only did she enrich her own family, but Ms. Thuy also readily helped neighboring households. She was willing to share her experience in growing and caring for gerbera daisies with many local families. She meticulously guided them from selecting soil, fertilizing, watering, caring for the plants, and controlling pests and diseases, to harvesting methods. She hoped that many other households in the area would also succeed and become wealthy through this gerbera daisy farming model.
The success of the model of growing gerbera daisies for sale during Tet (Lunar New Year) by Ms. Cao Thi Thuy's family in Minh Son hamlet, Nghia Minh commune, is considered a successful model for shifting crop structures, yielding high economic efficiency and needing to be replicated throughout the area in the future.