Marigolds are beautiful flowers that are easy to grow and care for. They come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, and white. Marigolds are a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners due to their hardiness, low maintenance, and vibrant colors. In this article, we will provide you with a simple guide on how to grow and care for marigolds.
How to Grow Marigolds and Care for Marigolds
Planting Marigolds
Marigolds should be planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can be started from seeds or transplanted as seedlings. If starting from seeds, sow them directly into the soil in the spring or summer. Alternatively, start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant them after the danger of frost has passed.
When transplanting seedlings, make sure to space them about 6-9 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting.
Watering Marigolds
Marigolds should be watered deeply once a week during hot, dry weather. It’s important not to overwater them, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent problems.
Fertilizing Marigolds
Marigolds do not require heavy fertilization, but a light application of fertilizer every three to four weeks can help promote growth and blooming. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and avoid over-fertilizing.
Deadheading Marigolds
Deadheading is the process of removing dead flowers from the plant. This not only improves the appearance of the plant but also helps to prolong blooming. Simply pinch off the dead flower heads as soon as they start to wilt.
Pest and Disease Control
Marigolds are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, occasionally they can be attacked by pests such as spider mites or aphids. If this does occur, use a mild insecticide to control the infestation.
Saving Seeds
Marigold flowers produce seeds that can be saved for next year’s planting. Allow the flower heads to dry out on the plant, then remove them and store them in a cool, dry place until the following spring.
How to Grow Marigolds from Seed
First, you’ll need to choose the right seeds. Marigolds seeds can be found in most garden centers or online. There are different varieties of marigold seeds to choose from, including dwarf, medium, and tall varieties. Dwarf marigolds are great for small gardens or containers, while tall marigolds are perfect for borders or mass plantings.
Next, you’ll need to prepare the soil. Marigolds prefer well-draining soil that’s rich in nutrients. If your soil has poor drainage, add sand or perlite to improve it. You can also add compost or fertilizer to increase the soil’s nutrient content.
Once your soil is ready, it’s time to plant the seeds. Sow the seeds directly into the soil, spacing them about 6-8 inches apart. Marigold seeds should be planted in the spring, after all frost has passed. Cover the seeds with a small amount of soil and gently press down.
Water the seeds immediately after planting to help them settle in. Marigolds don’t require a lot of water, so be careful not to overwater them. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Within a few weeks, you should start to see the marigold seedlings popping up. As they grow, you may need to thin them out to ensure they have enough room to mature. You can also fertilize the soil every few weeks to encourage healthy growth.
Best Way to Make Marigolds Bloom
Marigolds rarely require encouragement to bloom, however there are a few cultural techniques that will increase the size and quantity of the flowers:
Ensure that the plants receive plenty of sunlight. Marigold plants that are grown in shaded areas produce weaker flowers.
Quickly deadhead wilted flowers. The plant will produce more buds and blooms if the old blossoms are removed.
Before the young plants blossom, pinch back their tops. While this might delay blossoming, it also forces the plants to become bushier, which will ultimately result in an abundance of flower buds and blossoms. As buds start to form, pinch off half of them to increase the size of the remaining buds and blooms.
Avoid overfeeding. Marigolds hardly ever need fertilizer, and too much of it might actually diminish the amount of flowers produced by the plant, forcing it to focus its resources on developing new leaves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, marigolds are easy to grow and care for, making them a great choice for gardeners of all levels. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a beautiful display of marigolds in your garden for many years to come.