Growing Guide: Marigolds

Plant: Marigolds

Genus: Tagetes

Family: Calendula / Daisy

Hardiness Zones: 2 – 11 (USDA)

Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade

Color Range: There are over 50 species of marigolds in the color range of solid and combined yellows, oranges, reds, and whites.

Origin: The Americas

General Growing Information:

· Marigolds sprout within a week in warm weather and plants typically produce blooms in about 8 weeks.

· If planted in shade and cool, moist areas, marigolds are prone to powdery mildew and won’t bloom well.

· Though they grow in almost any soil, marigolds do best in moderately fertile, well-drained soil.

· Once the marigolds have established themselves, pinch off the tops of the plants to encourage them to grow bushier. This will keep the plants from becoming leggy and will encourage more blooming.

· Marigolds don’t require deadheading, but if dying blossoms are regularly removed, it will encourage the plant to continue blooming profusely.

· When you water marigolds, allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings, then water well and repeat the process. Water more in high heat.

· Do not water marigolds from overhead. Water at the base of the plant. (Excess water on leaves can lead to powdery mildew.)

· Do not fertilize marigolds during growth. A diet that’s too nitrogen-rich stimulates lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

· Add a layer of mulch between plants to suppress weeds and keep soil moist, especially when plants are young.

· Marigolds have few pests or problems overall, but spider mites and aphids sometimes infest the plants.

Starting from Seed

· If starting from seed, sow seeds directly into the garden once the soil is warm in the spring. You can start seeds indoors, but they germinate so easily outside that there is really no advantage.

· If starting inside, start with a tray or pot filled with damp soilless potting mix. Sprinkle the marigold seeds over the potting mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of vermiculite. Cover the pot or tray with plastic wrap and place the tray in a warm spot.

· Typically, marigolds will take three to four days to germinate, but may take a few days longer if the location is cooler. Once the marigold seedlings appear, remove the plastic wrap and move the tray to a location where the seedlings will get at least five hours or more of light each day. The light can be from an artificial source.

· As the seedlings grow, keep the potting mix damp by watering from below. This will help to prevent damping off. Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted to their own pots where they can grow indoors under light until after the last frost has passed.

Benefits for Garden

Nematode Control
Bees and other beneficial insects are attracted
Adds variety
Easy to care for
Companion planting
For details on each of these, visit the Gardening Know How site in the sources section.

Sources:

Growing Guide: Marigolds

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