ASHS 2025 Conference

Introduction and Background: Florida, experiencing rapid population growth with an influx of 1,218 new residents daily, presents abundant opportunities for agricultural diversification, particularly in niche markets. The ceremonial flower industry, catering to cultural and traditional practices, offers a unique avenue for innovation. Marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta), widely celebrated in Asian, Hispanic, and Hindu cultures, hold significant potential as a profitable crop within Florida's burgeoning cut flower sector. The demand for marigolds spans diverse occasions, including festivals, weddings, and religious ceremonies, making them an ideal candidate for market expansion. This study investigates the economic viability of six marigold cultivars by assessing their performance in terms of market potential, yield, and profitability, aiming to provide growers with actionable insights for Florida's agricultural industry. Objectives: (a) Evaluate six marigold cultivars during a spring field trial to identify the top two cultivars suitable for cut flower production in Florida. (b) Assess marketability by analyzing critical factors such as flower size, yield, and profitability. Methods: Six marigold cultivars—Garuda Yellow, Chedi Orange, Garuda Deep Gold, Oriental Deep Gold, Sumati Orange, and Mayan Orange—sourced from Ameriseed®, were evaluated in a spring trial conducted in Lake County, FL. Seeds were sown on 21 February 2023 in 72-cell packs containing a custom growing mix. Transplants were moved to field plots on 28 March 2023. Fertilization strategies combined Miracle-Gro liquid fertilizer with time-release granular fertilizers to ensure optimal plant growth. Flowers were harvested bi-weekly between 18 April and 27 June 2023. Key metrics, including flower size and yield, were subjected to statistical analysis to identify top-performing cultivars. Results: Garuda Yellow, Garuda Deep Gold, and Oriental Deep Gold produced the largest flowers, measuring 7.73 mm, 7.75 mm, and 7.18 mm in diameter, respectively. However, Garuda Deep Gold's yield was the lowest among the cultivars, limiting its profitability. Conversely, Garuda Yellow, Oriental Deep Gold, and Sumati Orange demonstrated robust yields, making them ideal candidates for large-scale production. Implications: This study underscores the viability of marigolds as a profitable crop for Florida's cut flower industry, particularly in niche cultural markets. Cultivating multiple cultivars not only diversifies production but also extends the blooming season, enhancing profitability. By leveraging the cultural significance of marigolds, Florida growers can explore new markets while fostering economic growth and cultural preservation. This research equips farmers with practical recommendations to strengthen Florida's agricultural landscape.