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Marigold (Genda)All seasonsAfrican marigold (high-carotenoid)Updated 8 October 2026

Arka Shubha

An ICAR-IIHR African marigold notable for its very high flower-carotenoid (xanthophyll) content, making it the standout choice for the pigment-extraction market (lutein for poultry feed) as well as a good loose-flower crop.

SeasonAll seasons
Maturity period~120тАУ135 days from sowing
Expected yieldHigh flower yield with exceptionally high carotenoid content
Suitable soilLoam

Quick facts

Crop
Marigold (Genda)
Type
African marigold (high-carotenoid)
Season
All seasons
Maturity period
~120тАУ135 days from sowing
Expected yield
High flower yield with exceptionally high carotenoid content
Suitable soil
Loam
Release
Developed by ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru

About this variety

Arka Shubha is an ICAR-IIHR African marigold bred specifically for very high flower-carotenoid (xanthophyll/lutein) content, which makes it the standout variety for the industrial pigment-extraction market тАФ marigold is a major commercial source of the natural pigment used to colour poultry egg yolks and broiler skin. It is also a good dual-purpose loose-flower crop with high flower yield, so growers can sell into either the fresh-flower trade or to a pigment-extraction buyer. Its agronomy is the same as the other African types: nursery-raised, transplanted, pinched, and (for pigment) harvested at full flower maturity when carotenoid content peaks.

Key characteristics

    Plant typeAfrican marigold (high-carotenoid)
    Maturity~120тАУ135 days from sowing
    Yield potentialHigh flower yield with exceptionally high carotenoid content
    Disease resistanceNo special resistance widely documented
    SoilLoam
    SeasonAll seasons

Sowing & cultivation

  • Spacing45 ├Ч 30 cm

Yield & maturity

Maturity period

~120тАУ135 days from sowing

Expected yield

High flower yield with exceptionally high carotenoid content

Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.

Pest & disease considerations

Major diseases

  • No special resistance widely documented

Advantages & considerations

Why farmers may choose it

  • Very high carotenoid (xanthophyll/lutein) content тАФ the top choice for pigment extraction.
  • Dual-purpose: sells into either the fresh-flower or the pigment-extraction market.

Things to consider

  • For the pigment market, harvest at full flower maturity and confirm a buyer/contract in advance.

Suitable regions

States this variety is recommended for тАФ check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.

  • Karnataka
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Tamil Nadu