Mountain Marigold Care - How To Grow Bush Marigold Plants

Mountain bush marigolds can grow well in poor soil. They are also drought and heat tolerant, although the blooms may last longer with a little protection from the afternoon sun. Mountain marigolds will become leggy from too much shade or overwatering. They are excellent additions to xeriscape beds.

What is the best way to grow marigolds?

Sow marigold seed directly in the ground and cover with a thin layer of soil (about 1/8 inch deep). Water thoroughly. Thin to 8-18 inches apart after seedlings have sprouted. Marigolds can also be started early indoors under grow lights for transplanting outdoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date.

Where is the best place to plant marigolds?

Most marigolds prefer to be located in an area with full sun but will tolerate some shade. During times of extreme heat, some afternoon shade is beneficial. T. erecta varieties should be planted in an area protected from strong winds and damaging rainfall.

How do you take care of marigold plants?

Following a few simple care instructions will keep your marigolds happy and healthy all summer long:

Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly.
Water marigolds at the base of the plant.
Avoid a profusion of foliage and fewer flowers by not fertilizing soil after sowing seeds.

Do marigolds grow in sun or shade?

Once planted, marigolds grow rapidly with no fuss. Most thrive in full sun, taking hot, sunny exposures in stride. Marigolds can even handle the reflected heat and light of paved surfaces as long as they get regular moisture. However, marigolds will tolerate up to 20% shade if there is bright light the rest of the day.

How long do marigold plants last?

Garden marigolds are annuals, which means they germinate, grow, bear flowers and die all in one growing season. Generally, their maximum lifespan is less than a year, even when they're started early in the year indoors instead of starting from seed directly in the garden.

Should I soak marigold seeds before planting?

Large seeds such as sunflowers and nasturtiums benefit from soaking in warm water overnight. Other flower seeds that will germinate faster include moonflowers, lupins, sweet peas and morning glories. ... Smaller seeds such as zinnia and marigolds can be soaked as well.

Do Marigold come back every year?

The popular types of marigolds for garden planting are all annuals, sprouting, flowering – and dying in the same year. But they may come back the following year thanks to self-seeding.

What can you not plant near marigolds?

Marigold companion planting enhances the growth of basil, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, gourds, kale, potatoes, squash and tomatoes. Marigold also makes a good companion plant to melons because it deters beetles. Beans and cabbage are listed as bad companion plants for marigolds.

How often should marigolds be watered?

Established marigolds in garden beds need a good soak once each week. Give them enough water so that the soil is moist to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. If the weather is unusually hot or windy, they'll need extra water. Water marigolds in pots when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry.

Why do my marigolds keep dying?

Among the most common marigold diseases are blights, rots, and mildews. Usually, these types of diseases show up when conditions are wet and warm, and fungal spores are rampant. In most cases, simply discontinuing overhead watering can stop the formation and spread of spores.

What is the best fertilizer for marigolds?

Feed your garden marigolds a slow-release granular 11-40-6 fertilizer about seven to 10 days after you set them out in early spring. Feed returning perennial marigolds in early spring after the last frost for your region and before new growth emerges. Use about one teaspoon per plant.

Can marigold grow in small pots?

One Marigold is enough for a 6-inch pot, but you can grow 2 or 3 in a 12-inch pot and five or more small plants in a large container with a diameter of 18 inches. Be sure the selected container has a drainage hole in the bottom. ... Water the Marigold plants when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry.

Why Marigold is not a flower?

Marigolds in excessively rich (or over-fertilized) soil may be lush and green, but may produce few blooms. This is one of the primary reasons for marigold plants not flowering. ... In shade, they may produce foliage but few blooms will appear. Lack of adequate sunlight is a very common reason for no flowers on marigolds.

Do marigolds repel mosquitoes?

Marigolds, an easy-to-grow annual flower, emit a smell that deters mosquitoes. ... Marigolds are also a popular addition to borders and vegetable gardens. According to NYBG, not only can they keep away mosquitoes, but they also dissuade aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms.

Do marigolds attract bees?

Their sunny, golden lion-like heads are an excellent foil for other blooming plants, and marigolds bloom all season. ... The plants do not repel honeybees, however. Marigolds and honeybees go together like beans and rice. So increase your marigolds and honeybees will come flocking.

Is Marigold a perennial?

Are marigolds perennials or annuals? Actually, both! Most marigolds are annuals, but a few are perennials. Marigolds self-seed so they may appear to be a perennial when in reality, they are just coming back from seed.

Do you deadhead marigolds?

The flowering time for marigolds is extended by deadheading any spent blooms. ... If the marigold plants form seeds, they will stop blooming. Follow the flower stem down to the first set of leaves. This is the best place to deadhead the flower.

Do marigolds multiply?

They'll begin to bloom approximately 45 days after planting. Marigold flowers tend to be in bright hues of yellow, orange and red, and many shades in between. ... In addition, most varieties are self-seeding, so they spread throughout the flower bed or garden year after year.

What month do you plant marigold seeds?

When to Plant Marigolds

Young French and signet marigolds can be planted from spring through midsummer, but the tall African marigolds are best planted right away in the spring (after danger of frost has passed) because they are slower to mature and produce flowers.

How do you start seeds in egg cartons?

An easy solution is to cut off the container lid and put it under the bottom of the carton. Poke holes in the bottom of each egg cup and any moisture will drain out and into the lid underneath. Fill each egg cup with potting soil and place seeds in to the appropriate depth.

How late can you plant marigold seeds?

You can plant marigold seeds directly outdoors in the spring after the danger of frost has passed for your area or start seeds indoors up to about eight weeks before the last frost. Seeds usually germinate within four to 14 days in soil temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.