Marigolds are cheerful, compact annuals with flower shapes which will resemble daisies, coreopsis, and even carnations. Although native to Mexico, you’ll grow marigold plants virtually anywhere. they’re widely adaptable and very low-maintenance. They also grow quickly and may be direct-seeded after the last frost in spring for a summer of bright blooms.

Types of Marigolds

There are several species and divisions of marigold. Most are modest tall, but there’s an honest amount of variety among the various types. you’ll find short bedding marigolds that grow only 4 to six inches tall and taller varieties that will reach 18 inches and make nice cutting flowers. The three most ordinarily grown types are African, French, and signet marigolds.

African Marigolds (Tagetes erecta)

With large, pom-pom flowers on either compact or relatively tall plants, African marigolds are popular for both the border and as cut flowers. they will grow over 2 feet tall and have flowers that are 5 inches across. Colors include yellow and orange, although it’s not unlikely there’ll be a red option at some point.

French Marigolds (Tagetes patula)

French marigolds are prized for his or her long, prolific blooms. they have a tendency to be short, bushy plants, although they will grow from 5 to 18 inches tall. they need purple-tinged stems with double flower heads in yellow, orange, and mahogany that are about 2 inches across.

Signet Marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia)

The edible marigolds are the signets. they appear totally different from bedding marigolds, with lacy leaves and little , single, daisy-like flowers. they are available in yellow and orange, with fitting cultivar names like ‘Orange Gem,’ ‘Tangerine Gem’, ‘Red Gem’, and ‘Lemon Gem’. There are some hybrids on the market recently with an expanded palette of colours , like reminder cream, burgundy, and bi-colors, but the flavour isn’t always adequate to that of the ‘Gem’ varieties.

How to Grow Marigolds

Marigolds are very low-maintenance once established, and that they are notably pest-free. In fact, they’re often wont to keep pests away. Marigolds can bloom almost non-stop and can keep going all summer, until frost. to realize that non-stop flowering, keep your marigolds deadheaded.

Light

For the foremost flowers and therefore the healthiest plants, plant your marigolds fully sun.

Soil

Marigolds aren’t fussy. Any good garden soil (and touch water during dry spells) should keep them happy, as long because the soil isn’t too acidic. Keep the soil pH above about 6.0. They also don’t need soil that’s particularly rich in organic matter and appear to grow better during leaner soil.

Water

When you first plant your marigold seeds or plants, confirm they get regular water. Don’t leave them in dry soil for quite a few days. If it’s particularly hot and sunny, water them a day. Once they need to have a couple of weeks to determine an honest rootage, they’re going to be more drought-tolerant, but they’re going to still bloom best if given weekly water.

Temperature and Humidity

Marigolds are a number of the few garden flowers that are true annuals. Gardeners altogether planting zones need to replant them per annum. They tolerate a good range of temperatures but can get mildew in damp or humid summers. Planting fully sun and providing room for airflow will lessen this problem.

Fertilizer

Your marigolds won’t need any supplemental fertilizer unless your soil is extremely poor. the simplest thing you’ll do to stay them in flower is to deadhead regularly.

• Varieties of Marigold
• ‘Antigua’ Series are African marigolds with unusually profuse blooms.
• ‘Gem’ Series are single-flowered signets with very fern-like foliage.
• ‘Naughty Marietta’ maybe a ruffled, deep-yellow French marigold with maroon splashes within the center.