<![CDATA[Limited agricultural land, low and erratic rainfall, and declining dry-season water availability constrain horticulture in Kupang City. Hydroponics offers an alternative for cultivation on limited land through more controlled management of water and nutrients. This study aimed to analyze the effect of growing media on the growth and yield of marigold (Tagetes erecta L. cv. Molek) in a wick hydroponic system and to determine the best medium. The experiment was conducted from October to December 2022 in Oesapa Village, Kupang City, using a Randomized Block Design with four media (burnt rice husk, cocopeat, zeolite, and crushed red brick) and six replicates. All treatments received AB-Mix at 1,200 ppm. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by the LSD test at the 5% level. Growing media significantly affected plant height at 1–3 weeks after planting, branch number, flowering time, flower number, flower diameter, and flower weight, but not at 4 weeks or in root length. Crushed red brick produced the earliest flowering (20 days), the highest flower number (89.75), flower diameter (85.98 mm), and flower weight (942.17 g per plant). Crushed red brick is therefore a promising medium for wick hydroponic marigold, providing practical information for floriculture in dry regions.]]>
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