GROWING MARIGOLDS

Marigolds are prolific annuals that can add color to any garden. You can choose from a wide range of colors and sizes. The colors include orange, yellow, mahogony, crimson, some bicolors and even white.

The taller American varieties of marigolds can be grown outdoors and the dwarf French varieties in pots and containers. The Marigold seeds can be sown in April. Marigolds begin flowering in June and continue flowering until frost.

Factors involved in growing Marigolds

Though Marigolds are easy to grow, some factors are to be considered when growing them:

• Sunlight: Marigolds can grow in full sun to partial-shade, but it is preferable to plant them in sunny locations as shading may have an adverse effect on flowering.
• Soil: Marigolds grow best in moist, well-drained and fertile soil.
• Spacing: Grow your tall Marigold varieties 40cm apart and the dwarf varieties 20cm apart to give room to the growing branches. This will result in a uniform display.
• Temperature: Minimum temperature for growing marigolds is 10°C. Optimum temperature for the germination of seeds is 19°C.
• Watering: Marigolds do not need regular watering but require so during the dry spells. Be careful not to sprinkle water on the flowers of tall varieties, otherwise they become water-logged and soft. It is better to water Marigolds during the early morning hours so that there is sufficient time for the water on the foliage to dry up.
• Fertilizers: Marigolds do not require fertilizers if the soil is rich in organic material. For poor soils, you can add a slow-acting, granular fertilizer(about 1 teaspoon per plant), but be careful not to add an excess of fertilizers which may result in an increased growth of foliage instead of flowers.
• Mulching: When the marigold seedlings are tall enough, spread a 2 or 3 inch layer of some organic material such as dried grass, wood chips or chopped leaves on the soil around them. This mulch reduces weeds, retains moisture in the soil, cools the soil, and fertilizes the soil as it decomposes.

Taking Care of Marigolds

Marigolds are self-reliant plants, but a little care can ensure that they are perpetually blooming in your garden.

• Pruning: Marigolds do not require much pruning, but deadheading is good for marigolds as it suppresses seeding and encourages blooming.
• Staking: Provide staking for tall varieties of Marigolds to protect them from strong winds and heavy rainfall. Insert a sturdy stick or some green stalk behind the plant and tie it with some soft material like plastic. The stick may be small so that it does not show.
• Insects and Pests: Marigolds have a pungent odor, so they are not troubled by insects, but during the wet season, they can be visited by slugs. Slug pellets would solve the problem.