How to Sow the "Mumsy" Marigold
Mumsy marigolds are a variety of African marigold that resemble fancy mums with a flattish blossom and spiky petals. The 4-inch blossoms appear in gold, orange and yellow, giving your flowerbed a bright color. This type of marigold flower blooms from late spring until fall. Once the hard fall frosts occur, the 14-inch tall plant dies from cold exposure. Mature Mumsy marigolds are about 8 inches wide and are sown directly into the garden after all danger of a spring frost is passed. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Remove the debris, weeds and rocks from a site situated in full sun with moist soil that drains well. Marigolds do not grow well in standing water. Loosen the soil 6 to 8 inches deep with a shovel. Break the dirt clumps up with the edge of the shovel. The soil needs to be light and small in texture.
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Spread a 1-inch layer of compost on top of the soil. Mix the compost into the loosened soil and rake smooth. Space the Mumsy marigold seeds 6 to 8 inches apart by tapping the side of the package to gently knock the seed out of the pack.
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Cover the seeds with a quarter inch of compost, sand or vermiculite. Lightly covering the seeds allows the heat from the sun to warm the marigold seeds. Do not pat the soil down over the top of the seeds. This causes compacted soil and the seedlings have trouble to breaking through the crust. Mumsy marigold seeds germinate in seven to 10 days when temperatures are 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Mist the Mumsy marigold patch with water to keep the soil moist until the plants have ground 4 inches. When the seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, pull the weaker, thinner ones. Space the marigold plants 8 to 12 inches apart to ensure good growth and air circulation.
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Tips & Warnings
Pinch fading and dying flower heads. Deadheading Mumsy marigolds stops the production of seeds, which sends the plant’s energy into flower production. It also improves the look of the flowerbed by removing drying blossoms.
Mumsy marigolds are self-seeding and can become invasive if grown without maintenance. The seeds produced by hybrid plants might not grow flowers that look like the parent plants.
