How to Grow Marigold (Tagetes)
Among the easiest of flowers to grow, marigolds provide bright, cheerful color and are extremely easy to start from seed. Marigolds are annuals (meaning they grow for just one year) that need full sun. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Bypass Pruners
- Compost Makers
- Fertilizers
- Garden Spades
- Garden Trowels
- Mulch
- Plants
- Seeds
Instructions
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Start marigolds from seeds indoors in spring, six to eight weeks before your region's last frost date. Or, if you don't mind later blooms, start them after the last frost date. Sow the seeds directly in the ground, covering them with about 1/4-inch of soil. Thin (gently pull out extra seedlings) until they're 8 to 18 inches apart, depending on the variety (check the seed packet).
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Alternatively, buy healthy, green plants with no signs of wilting or disease. Plants should be stocky with plenty of leaves. It's actually a plus if they don't have any flower on them so that they'll divert their early energy into root development rather than flowering.
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Plant marigold seedlings - either those you've started yourself or those you've purchased - outside in spring after your region's last frost date. They need full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
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Position seedlings 8 to 18 inches apart, depending on the variety. Pinch off any blooms at planting time to redirect the plants' energy to their roots for long-term health and better flowering.
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Mulch to prevent weeds and conserve moisture.
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Fertilize marigolds every four to six weeks, if desired. Organic gardeners may want to simply work in plenty of compost at planting time instead.
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Pinch or snap off spent blooms to prolong flowering.
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Pull up and discard plants in autumn after frost blackens the leaves.
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Tips & Warnings
There's a wide variety of marigolds - from the elegant French singles to the giant pompoms of the African marigold.
Colors vary, too, from subtle creams to yellows and golds to brilliant oranges and crimsons. Height can vary from 8 inches to 2 feet.
In the South and Southwest, marigolds appreciate a little afternoon shade to prevent wilting.
Marigolds are so hardy it's tempting to ignore them. But keep them adequately watered - never let them wilt - or spider mites and whitefly may well become a problem.
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Comments
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Nov 22, 2005
Using compost and cow manure have brought my marigolds to over 5 feet. I live in South America and plant them with my tomatoes. They protect the tomatoes and shade each other.
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Nov 22, 2005
Using compost and cow manure have brought my marigolds to over 5 feet. I live in South America and plant them with my tomatoes. They protect the tomatoes and shade each other.
