I can't find any threads about growing marigolds here. Nor in Farming!

Are any members growing marigolds on a decent scale?

My Mrs says there's aprofit to be made here as 1000's are sold in the markets as merit offerings/decoration etc.

It's not so much that I want to make money, though that's always bonus beer money, but would be a little hobby for someone with spare land and time.

Obviously the ground would need a deal of prep, a shade house to be erected etc.

Any advice please, or some alternatives to marigold?

There are probably thousands of different types of marigolds. I'm not sure what type is used to make these garland thingies.

I don't know where they are grown on a commercial scale - maybe Chiang Mai area?

Certainly, here in Khon Kaen, the climate is not helpful for growing marigolds. You may see many different packets of seeds, but they are not so easy to grow.

The "native" varieties grow like weeds with very little care, in almost any soil type and in full sun. But they are not what you want. These "wild" flowers occasionally throw up a double and it may be easier to use cuttings from these.