One of the most easiest
and beautiful annuals to grow is marigold flowers. Marigold flowers is a
compact flowers, ranging in color from pale yellow to deep orange and rust,
this flower makes a spectacular addition to pots, baskets and borders or simply
scattered throughout the garden. Marigold flowers are quick germinator and it
has a distinct spicy aroma and it adds a splash of color all summer long.
Marigold flowers look great in dried floral arrangements too. This plant is not
fussy and it tolerates a wide range of soil and climate conditions, in all they
love heat. Marigold flowers have a lot of variety available, from miniature to
giant. You can grow Marigold flowers in and around vegetable plants to repel
insect pests.
Basic facts and
requirements
1. Sunlight requirement: Marigold flowers need full sun.
2. The maturity date: The maturity date is 50-80 days from seed to
flower.
3. The Height: Marigold flowers are about 6 to 18 inches.
4. Plant spacing: It should be 8 to 18 inches apart in all directions.
Land preparation for
planting
Like I said earlier
Marigolds flowers are not fussy and they can tolerate most conditions.
Marigolds flowers will really thrive in a rich, well-drained soil with plenty
of sunshine. Also a generous amount of organic compost or well-aged manure
should be mixed into the garden prior to planting, this will really improve the
health of the flowers. Make sure you keep the soil moist, don’t allow it to be
too wet.
How to plant Marigold
flowers
Make sure you sow the
marigold seed directly in the ground and then cover it with a thin layer of
soil (about 1/8 inch deep). Make sure you water it thoroughly. You can thin it
to 8-18 inches apart after the seedlings have sprouted. The Marigold plant can
also be started early indoors under grow lights for transplanting outdoors
about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date.
Once it is established
and healthy the plant will continue to grow easily, even if it is left
unattended. Make sure you water it to keep the soil moist, don’t allow it to be
too wet.
Try as much as
possible to
provide nutrients monthly with a bud
and bloom booster once the plants have started flowering. You can pinch off the
spent blossoms to extend the flowering season. Also mulch in other to prevent
weeds, conserve moisture and improve aesthetics. This plant will not survive a
hard frost or freeze.
Pest and disease control
This plant really has
few problems with insect pests. The marigold flowers can be planted around
cabbage and broccoli plants to help deter and repel cabbage moths. Make sure
you keep an eye out for slugs, which can decimate the plants overnight. Also
make sure you monitor closely and treat with Sluggo® Bait or diatomaceous earth
if any damage is found.
You can spray
soft-bodied pests, like aphids and spider mites, with a strong stream of water
in other to reduce pest numbers or you can spot treat heavily infested areas
with safer’s® Soap for immediate control.
Furthermore, this plant
produces lots of seed in a similar fashion to zinnia or calendula. Immediately
the blooms dry out, you can cut them off and hang them upside down in bundles.
The marigold seeds are contained in the heads and once they are dry and crisp
they can be hand-crushed and winnowed from the seed chaff.
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