Getting your flowers ready for Tihar

Marigold (sayapatri) and chrysanthemum (godawari) are the stars of Tihar. A little care in the weeks before keeps them full of flowers for the celebrations.

Sun and food

Both need at least five to six hours of sun. Feed every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer until the buds show colour, then stop.

Deadhead often

Pinch off faded flowers as soon as they brown. The plant then puts its energy into new buds instead of seeds.

Water at the base

Keep water off the flowers and leaves to avoid mildew in the cooler autumn nights.