Marigolds bring cheer with their bright colours. They’re perfect for borders and pots, popular in the summer. The main colours you see are yellow and orange, with some reds and creamy whites. These flowers attract helpful insects as well.
The biggest group of marigolds, called Tagetes, are half-hardy annuals. This means they can’t handle frost. They bloom from summer to autumn, showing off plain colours or vivid combinations. The leaves of marigolds are lacy and smell strong.
You can start marigolds from seeds or buy young plants. Make sure to plant them in the ground or in pots once frost is gone. They need plenty of sunlight and good soil. Remember to water them when it’s dry and to take off the old flowers to keep new ones coming.
Key Takeaways
- Marigolds are cheerful, brightly coloured annuals that thrive in the summer
- The Tagetes group are the largest marigolds and are half-hardy, meaning they can’t tolerate frost
- Marigolds can be grown from seed or bought as seedlings or garden-ready plants
- Plant marigolds in good soil in a sunny spot after the risk of frost has passed
- Key care includes watering, deadheading, and feeding if grown in pots
Introduction to Marigolds
Marigolds are not just common, but they come in many types, around 50 in fact. You can find them in various shapes and sizes. The three main ones are:
Types of Marigolds
Tagetes patula (French marigold) is very popular and is usually found at local plant shops. It measures from 6 to 12 inches in height and 6 to 9 inches in width. It’s known for its dense, double flowerheads up to 2 inches in size.
Tagetes erecta (African marigold) is the tallest kind, reaching 1 to 4 feet in height. It spreads 1 to 2 feet wide and has big, up to 5-inch flowerheads that are often double or pompon-like.
Tagetes tenuifolia (Signet marigold) are tiny but vibrant. They can grow up to 12 inches tall and wide. Their single, 1-inch flowers are perfect bright toppings for food.
Benefits of Growing Marigolds
Marigolds are great in gardens. They attract helpful bugs like butterflies, bees, and ladybugs. Their smell can also keep pests like whiteflies away from plants such as tomatoes and cucumbers.
Some marigold flowers are even safe to eat. They add a nice, tangy taste to salads and meals.
Preparing the Soil for Marigolds
Great marigolds need great soil. They love full sun and soil that drains well but is also rich. This is necessary for marigolds to grow their best.
Soil Requirements
The larger African marigolds should be in a sheltered spot. Their big flowers can be hurt by strong winds. If the soil is poor, add in compost or soil conditioner. This mix helps give the right fertility and drainage for marigolds to thrive.
If growing marigolds in pots, choose peat-free multi-purpose potting compost. It ensures good drainage and adds nutrients for healthy flowers.
Amending the Soil
Before planting, fix poor soil by adding compost or conditioner. This boosting creates the ideal rich, well-draining earth for marigolds. For pots, use a mix for good nutrition and drainage.
Prepping the soil well gets marigolds off to a strong start. This care helps them grow beautifully and last a long time with colourful blooms.
Sowing Marigold Seeds
When to Sow Marigold Seeds
Marigold seeds can be planted indoors in early spring for summer flowers. You can also plant them outside in late spring for blooms later in the year. If you choose to start indoors, plant the seeds in a warm spot. Then, move the seedlings into small pots or trays. Let them grow somewhere bright, this will help them survive when you move them outside after the last frost.
If starting seeds outside in late spring, do so where they’ll grow. But first, prepare the flower beds. Make sure to rid the area of weeds before planting the seeds.
How to Sow Marigold Seeds
Sow marigold seeds lightly in damp, rich soil. Then thin the young plants to 10-20 cm apart, depending on the marigold variety. If you’re starting them inside, find a cosy spot for the seeds. After they sprout, move them to small pots or trays until they’re ready for the garden. For outdoor planting, place the seeds where you want the marigolds to grow. Ensure the ground is free of weeds first. Then, cover the seeds lightly with soil and give them a good watering.
Transplanting Marigold Seedlings
Starting marigolds indoors means you need to prepare them for outside living. Over two weeks, get the young plants used to the natural world. Slowly, expose them more to the elements outside. This process is called hardening off and prevents shock from the move outdoors.
Spacing and Planting Marigold Seedlings
Buying or growing marigold seedlings means you must know how far to put them apart. French or Signet marigolds need 8-10 inches between them. African marigolds, the taller type, require more space – 10-12 inches will do. When planting, make the hole a bit bigger than the roots, insert the plant, and carefully cover it with soil. Don’t forget to water them well. A layer of mulch around each plant keeps the ground moist and stops weed growth.
Caring for Marigolds
Marigolds are easy to care for, needing little attention. They thrive with regular watering, especially when it’s dry. Water them at the plant’s base to avoid flower rot from overhead watering.
Let the soil dry a bit between watering but keep it moist. This is crucial for marigolds in pots that dry out fast. Don’t overwater to prevent root rot.
Watering Marigolds
Regular water is essential for marigolds, especially in dry spells. Always water at the base to keep the flowers healthy, avoiding flower rot. For container plants, keep the soil consistently moist to prevent drying out. But, be careful not to overwater to avoid root problems.
Fertilising Marigolds
In the garden, marigolds usually don’t need extra food. They grow well in soil that’s not too fertile. Too much food can make them grow lots of leaves but fewer flowers.
For marigolds in pots, the occasional liquid feed helps. Also, a small amount of special plant food (5-10-5) during transplanting is good. Remember, too much food can hurt the flowers.
Deadheading Marigolds
Regularly deadheading marigolds keeps them blooming beautifully. This means taking off the old flowers right from the stem. You can do this by pinching them off or cutting with scissors.
Deadheading makes the plant look better and helps it bloom longer. It stops the plant from making seeds and encourages new flower growth.
how to grow Marigolds
Marigolds, especially the Tagetes kinds, are great for gardens. This is because their leaves have a strong smell that some bugs hate. They help keep pests like whitefly, aphids, and nematodes away. Growing them near tomatoes and cucumbers can protect these plants from some insects. Marigolds are good for many gardens because they scare off certain bugs.
Companion Planting with Marigolds
Marigolds are more than just pretty; they fight pests too. Their scent keeps away bugs like mosquitoes, aphids, and whiteflies. By planting marigolds all around or between your veggies, you can make a safe zone against insects. This is a natural way to manage pests without chemicals.
Pest Control with Marigolds
Marigolds have bright colours and natural bug-repelling abilities. Their flowers are even edible. That’s why every gardener should include marigolds if they want a lush, green, bug-fighting garden.
Troubleshooting Marigold Problems
Marigolds face a few diseases like grey mould and powdery mildew. They also get bacterial leaf spot and root rot. African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) can suffer more from grey mould in wet summers. So, picking smaller-flowered varieties might be better in such weather.
Issues like root rot happen in poorly drained soil. To avoid this, plant marigolds where water can flow away. Keep an eye on your plants and treat any diseases quickly. This will help them stay healthy.
Common Marigold Diseases
Besides diseases, marigolds might get pests like leaf miners and spider mites. Yet, marigolds can be good for the garden too. Their strong smell keeps away mosquitoes and many other bugs.
Adding marigolds to your garden can protect it from harmful insects. This is a natural way to help your plants stay bug-free.
Common Marigold Pests
One of the main pests that can affect marigolds is the aphid. These tiny, sap-sucking insects can quickly multiply and infest marigold plants, causing leaves to curl and buds to fail to open. To tackle an aphid infestation, you can try using insecticidal soap or a homemade solution of water and dish soap. Additionally, attracting natural predators like ladybugs can also help in controlling aphids naturally.
Another common pest for marigolds is the spider mite. These minuscule pests feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellow spots and eventual leaf drop. To prevent or control spider mites, regularly spray your marigold plants with a strong stream of water to knock off the mites. Additionally, introducing predatory mites or applying organic insecticides can be effective in keeping spider mites at bay.
Snails and slugs also pose a threat to marigolds, particularly during wet or humid conditions. These slimy creatures leave behind visible trails of slime on leaves and can cause significant damage to marigold plants. To combat snails and slugs, you can handpick them from the garden or use barriers like crushed eggshells or copper wire around your marigold plants to deter them.
Harvesting and Using Marigolds
Harvesting Marigold Flowers
Early morning is the best time to cut marigold flowers. Place them in water right away. Cut the lower stems and leaves to keep the water fresh. This also helps the flowers last longer, up to a week, in a vase. For longer life, use a cut flower preservative.
To dry marigold flowers, cut them when they’re at their best. Make sure to remove the stems and leaves. Hang them upside down in a warm, dry spot until they dry completely.
Using Marigolds in the Garden
Marigolds aren’t just pretty; they have many uses in the garden. The Tagetes tenuifolia variety adds a citrusy zest to your meals. They’re great in salads or pasta. Their flowers add a pop of colour and flavour.
You can also grow marigolds in pots near your home. Their strong smell helps to keep mosquitoes away. And, of course, their beautiful colours make them perfect for bouquets. They last a long time in a vase, up to a week.
Conclusion
Marigolds are a reliable choice for any garden. They bring bright sunny colours and welcome helpful insects. This guide covers everything from planting to flower use, making growing marigolds in the UK easy. You can plant them with your veggies, in flower beds, or in pots. Marigolds will fit right in and bring joy to your home.
These flowers not only look pretty but also keep pests away. Their petals are even edible. To help your marigolds thrive, provide good soil, water them well, and feed them. Remove old flowers regularly to keep new ones coming. Growing marigolds can make your garden look and feel great.
In short, marigolds are great for all gardeners. They offer beauty and practical benefits. With their many uses, marigolds are an essential part of a UK garden. I trust this guide has given you the knowledge and courage to grow these stunning flowers in your garden.
