How cold can marigolds tolerate?
The common marigold (Tagetes erecta or Tagetes patula) grows where night temperatures do not drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In colder parts of the United States, marigolds are grown as an annual plant. Sandy Mitchell is an Ohio-based writer, blogger and editor.
When can I 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. Find local frost dates here. Sow seeds directly into the garden once the soil is warm in the spring.
Do marigolds transplant well?
With their golden flowers and ferny foliage, marigolds (Tagetes spp.) add long-lasting color and texture to garden borders and beds. They respond well to transplanting and will quickly establish a productive new root system if planted after the soil warms in spring.
How to grow and care for marigolds?
Part 4 Part 4 of 4: Cultivating Your Marigolds
- Water your marigolds at the bottom, not from the top. Pouring water over the marigold blossoms and leaves may damage or even rot them.
- Deadhead your marigolds. "Deadheading" is a cultivating process in which you snip off dead blossoms from flowering plants.
- Use insecticidal soap to prevent infestation. ...
- Stake your flowers, if necessary. ...
How wide do African marigolds grow?
African marigolds bloom from early summer to late fall, and usually grow in a compact and mounded shape, generally reaching 12 to 20 inches tall, but some varieties can grow up to 48 inches in height. They spread between 18 and 24 inches, depending on the cultivar.
Do African marigolds spread?
Do marigolds spread? Marigolds are rapidly growing plants and most varieties are self-seeding, which means they will drop seeds and spread throughout your yard or garden. Limit the ability to self-seed by deadheading before blooms go to seed.
Do African marigolds multiply?
Marigolds are among the most easily grown plants, which is why they are so commonly used in flower beds, gardens and general landscaping. They bloom within 45 days after planting, are very hardy and grow considerably quickly. Like many other kinds of flowers, marigolds are able to multiply.
How many marigolds should I plant?
One marigold is enough for a 6-inch (15 cm.) pot, but you can grow two or three in a 12-inch (30 cm.) pot, and five or more small plants in a large container with a diameter of 18 inches (45 cm.).
Do African marigolds repel mosquitoes?
Plant a pretty repellent. Marigolds. These flowers are colorful additions to landscaping, but they have a distinctive smell that repels mosquitoes and other garden pests, including squash bugs and tomato worms. Marigolds contain a natural compound used in many insect repellents.
What do African marigolds repel?
Growing African marigolds or French marigolds around vegetable gardens to repel harmful insects, rabbits, and deer is a gardening habit that goes back for centuries. The scent of marigolds is said to deter these pests. Marigold roots also emit a substance that is toxic to harmful root nematodes.
How do you plant African marigolds?
Moisten the soil, then sow seeds 1 inch apart and no more than 1 inch deep. While still small, thin the seedlings. Space French and signet types 8 to 10 inches apart. The larger African marigolds should be at least 10 to 12 inches apart.
How long do African marigolds last?
Marigold Growth Stages 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.
When can I plant African marigolds?
AprilApril is the perfect month to sow African marigold seeds.
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.
What pests do marigolds deter?
The marigold is one of the most well-known insect-repelling plants and with good reason — they have a scent that will keep pests like mosquitoes, nematodes like cabbage worms, and other pests away. Plant marigolds to attract beneficial insects that attack and kill aphids. Ladybugs are especially fond of aphids.
How deep of soil do marigolds need?
Marigolds should sprout easily from seed if you are planting them at a depth of 1/4" in warm weather and keeping the soil moist.
Are African marigolds good companion plants?
They are known commonly as French and African marigolds. Both of these are beneficial as companion plants and some space should be allocated in your garden for at least one of these varieties.
Are marigolds invasive?
Their blooms of bright yellow leaves tipped in white are anchored in the center by a large yellow disc. The corn marigold is taller than the more common marigolds. While not native to the United Sates, they grow so profusely in parts of Europe that they are considered an invasive weed.
How long do African marigolds last?
Marigold Growth Stages 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.
Is African marigold annual or perennial?
African marigolds have long been planted as an easy-to-grow annual that requires very little maintenance. Coming in warm colors of creamy white, yellow, orange, and rusty red, African marigolds can add a welcome pop of color all season long. Even without the blooms, they have attractive deep green foliage.
How long does it take for African marigolds to germinate?
Seeds usually germinate in 4-14 days. African marigold plants can also be purchased at most garden centers in the spring. When planting or transplanting African marigold plants, be sure to plant them slightly deeper than they were originally growing. This helps them stabilize to support their heavy flower tops.
How long do marigolds stay in the soil?
This toxin can stay in the soil for a few years. Be careful when handling marigolds because some people can get skin irritations from the plant’s oils. While marigolds deter pests, they attract bees, butterflies and ladybugs to the garden.
Why do the leaves of the marigold spread?
Image by Gardening Know How, via Nikki Tilley. “ The marigold abroad her leaves doth spread, because the sun and her power is the same ,” wrote poet Henry Constable in a 1592 sonnet. The marigold has long been associated with the sun.
Where are marigolds native to?
African marigolds ( Tagetes erecta ), which are actually native to Mexico and Central America, were sacred to the Aztecs, who used them as a medicine and as a ceremonial offering to the sun gods. Marigolds are still called the herb of the sun because of this. In Mexico, African marigolds are a traditional flower placed on altars on The Day ...
Do African marigolds like full sun?
If deadheaded regularly, African marigold plants will usually produce many large blooms. They grow best in full sun and actually seem to prefer poor soil. Growing African marigolds or French marigolds around vegetable gardens to repel harmful insects, rabbits and deer is a gardening habit that goes back for centuries.
How big do African marigolds get?
African marigolds grow 1.5 to 2 feet tall and spread 1 to 1.5 feet wide, with green stems and green, fern-like foliage. The plant shows off large flowers that are 3 to 6 inches in diameter and come in various shades of orange and yellow.
How to keep marigolds from spreading out?
If you want to prevent your marigolds from spreading out, pinch the plants to keep them more compact.
What happens when a marigold plant drowns?
When a plant drowns, the roots begin to rot and the leaves turn brown and die. Drowning plants are also susceptible to infection by fungi. African marigolds are not prone to disease but may be attacked by pests such as Japanese beetles, red spider mites, slugs and snails.
How to start seeds in the garden after the last frost?
Consider adding compost or other organic materials to the soil for nutrients. Plant seeds by scattering them in the garden after the last frost. If you want to start seeds earlier, plant seeds in pots indoors as soon as four to six weeks before the last frost of the season, advises Cornell University.
What are some good cut flowers to use with African marigolds?
Varieties include 'Antigua Orange,' 'Inca Primrose,' 'Double Eagle,' 'Indian Yellow,' 'Mesa Gold,' 'Safari Tangerine,' 'Sweet Cream' and 'Double Eagle.'.
How long does it take for a seed to germinate?
Seeds germinate between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and take seven to 14 days to emerge. If you started seeds indoors, loosen and spread the roots when transferring to the garden after the final frost. Fertilize the soil before or during planting with a complete controlled-release fertilizer.
Is African marigold poisonous to humans?
The flowers and roots of the African marigold contain phototoxic thiophene derivatives, which is mildly poisonous to humans, notes North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Poison symptoms include:
