Growing Pyrethrum in Kilifi
Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kilifi is poorly suited to Pyrethrum. Kilifi's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Pyrethrum a suitability score of 0/100. Match fertilizer to Kilifi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kilifi County is a challenging environment for Pyrethrum (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–6.5 band Pyrethrum prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.8 g/kg, P 11 mg/kg, K 109 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. At 150 m, the county sits below Pyrethrum's preferred altitude range (1800–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pyrethrum is the #103 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kilifi County. Pyrethrum's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre at KES 280/kg), but at Kilifi's 0/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 0 kg/acre (~KES 0/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kilifi's soil: Sesame (Simsim), Sorghum, and Finger Millet — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kilifi soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.8 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 109 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 900–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 150 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Kilifi's nitrogen (0.8 g/kg) already meets Pyrethrum's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kilifi's 150 m altitude and 700 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag