Growing Pyrethrum in Kisii
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile
Kisii County is a solid choice for Pyrethrum, with a soil-match score of 73/100. Local soils average pH 5.21 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–6.5 band Pyrethrum prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 1.09 g/kg, P 13.1 mg/kg, K 151 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Pyrethrum, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 280/kg) and a typical 500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pyrethrum crop here can gross roughly KES 140,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisii soil | Pyrethrum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.21 | 5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.09 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.1 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 151 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 900–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4–6 after planting
Instruction
One application at vegetative stage to support flower production.
Bags per Acre
0.5
Recommended seed varieties
P4Highland
Pyrethrum Board of Kenya · 180-240 days · 150–250 kg/acre
High pyrethrin content; suited to highland conditions.
Clone 22Highland
Pyrethrum Board of Kenya · 180-240 days · 200–300 kg/acre
High yielding clone; good flower production.
Economics
Market priceKES 280/kg
Expected yield in Kisii456 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 127,680/acre
Adjusted for Kisii's 73/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Pyrethrum can reach 500 kg/acre (~KES 140,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.
Preferred textureLoam
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag