Pyrethrum farming guide — Kenya
Soil requirements, top counties, seed varieties, fertilizer plan & economics
To grow pyrethrum in Kenya, aim for soil pH 5–6.5 (loam soils); the best-suited counties are Trans Nzoia, Bomet, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu. Apply DAP or NPK at planting and top-dress with CAN at Week 4–6 after planting. A well-managed crop yields about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000 gross per acre).
Interested in starting or scaling pyrethrum farming in Kenya? This comprehensive guide maps out the optimal soil requirements (such as target pH ranges), the most suitable counties for growing pyrethrum, certified seed varieties, seasonal fertilizer guidelines, and a detailed per-acre production budget to set you up for a successful harvest.
Soil requirements
Growing conditions for Pyrethrum
Pyrethrum does best with 900–1,500 mm of rainfall a year at 1,800–3,000 m above sea level. In drier areas, irrigation or water harvesting closes the gap; outside the altitude band, growth and yields drop.
Optimizing soil and fertilizers for Pyrethrum in Kenya
To achieve maximum yields when farming pyrethrum in Kenya, managing soil suitability is crucial. This crop performs best within a soil pH range of 5 to 6.5. Soils that fall outside this range can lock out essential macro and micro-nutrients, leading to stunted growth or crop failure. For acidic soils, applying dolomitic or calcitic agricultural lime is recommended at least 30 days before planting to normalize acidity.
Fertilizer application should be calibrated based on the crop’s nutrient demands. Pyrethrum has a medium nitrogen requirement, high phosphorus requirement, and medium potassium demand. Using certified seed varieties suited for your specific altitude and rainfall pattern, combined with a precise basal and top-dressing program (such as applying CAN at Week 4–6 after planting), ensures high crop quality and protects your overall farm investment.
How to grow pyrethrum in Kenya
- 1Prepare the soilEnsure soil pH is between 5 and 6.5. Preferred texture: Loam. Apply agricultural lime if your pH is below 5, ideally 30 days before planting.
- 2Plant at the right timeSelect certified pyrethrum seed varieties suited to your altitude zone and plant at the onset of the rains.
- 3Apply basal fertilizerPyrethrum needs medium nitrogen, high phosphorus, and medium potassium. Apply a balanced basal fertilizer such as DAP or NPK at planting.
- 4Top-dressAt Week 4–6 after planting, apply 0.5 bag(s) per acre of CAN. One application at vegetative stage to support flower production.
- 5Monitor and harvestScout regularly for pests and disease. Expected yield is about 500 kg/acre at roughly KES 280/kg.
Best counties for Pyrethrum
Challenging counties for Pyrethrum
These counties may need soil amendments for Pyrethrum
Certified seed varieties
Economics
Top dressing
One application at vegetative stage to support flower production.
Fertilizer prices
Subsidized price / 50kg bag
Frequently asked questions about pyrethrum farming in Kenya
What soil pH is best for growing pyrethrum in Kenya?
Pyrethrum grows best in soil with a pH of 5 to 6.5. If your soil is more acidic than pH 5, apply agricultural lime about 30 days before planting to raise the pH and free up nutrients. The preferred soil texture is loam.
Which counties are best for pyrethrum farming in Kenya?
By soil suitability, the top counties for pyrethrum are Trans Nzoia, Bomet, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu. A full ranking of all 47 counties, each with a suitability score, is shown above.
What fertilizer does pyrethrum need?
Pyrethrum has medium nitrogen, high phosphorus, and medium potassium requirements. Apply a balanced basal fertilizer such as DAP or NPK at planting, then top-dress with 0.5 bag(s) per acre of CAN at Week 4–6 after planting.
How much can I earn from pyrethrum per acre in Kenya?
Pyrethrum yields about 500 kg per acre. At a market price of roughly KES 280/kg, that is around KES 140,000 per acre in gross revenue, before input and labour costs.
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