Plant name: Marigold
Genus: Tagetes
Scientific name: Tagetes Erecta
Growing difficulty: 🍃 🍃 (Learn more about the difficulty rating)
Marigolds are cheerful, beautiful, easy-to-grow annual flowers that come in various shades of orange, yellow, and red. All Marigolds are excellent plants for attracting pollinators. They produce flowers for months and flower through peak days of Summers and into Autumn. Here are some general tips to help you grow Marigolds in your garden:
How to grow Marigolds
Choose a sunny location: Marigolds thrive in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day
Prepare the soil: Marigolds can grow in almost any type of soil, but they prefer well-draining soil. Add compost or organic matter to the soil to improve its texture and fertility
Plant the seeds: You can start marigold seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or directly sow the seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart. Water the soil lightly after planting and keep the soil slightly moist until you see the first sprouts
French Marigolds can be easily grown through seeds, while the African Marigolds are grown best when bought as store plants
Watering: Marigolds prefer moderate watering, so water the soil when it feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause the roots to rot
Fertilization: Marigolds don't need much fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer like Vermicompost once a month to encourage healthy growth and blooms. Occasionally, Marigolds can also benefit from a liquid fertilizer like NPK (19:19:19)
Marigolds growing in-ground don't generally don't require any fertilizer to grow. There are ample nutrients which a plant can absorb from the land
Deadheading: To encourage more blooms, remove the faded flowers regularly by pinching them off at the base. You can also use a pruner to get rid of the dead blooms to provide room for upcoming flowers
Pest control: Marigolds are generally pest-resistant, but they can be affected by aphids and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests. When infected, spray the neem oil solution every 20 days until the pests are gone.
With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a beautiful display of marigolds in your garden throughout the summer and fall.
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