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In the tremendous horticulture world , some plants can be easy to produce , some finical , and some involve an expert ’s touch . But few are as well-off and rewarding as themarigold flower . Many of us remember them as our first experience in gardening .
However , not all marigolds are create equal , and many plant support the name without being actual marigolds .
But when it comes to the real deal , knowing when to plant can make a huge difference in the wellness and heyday metre of these wonderful flora .
Today , we ’ll look at true marigold ( Tagetes spp . ) , although most of this information apply to the rough-cut marigold ( Calendula officinalis ) .
Five Types Of Marigolds
Before establish your marigolds , it ’s a good idea to choose the type that best suit your tastes .
Here are the four most common marigold ( plus the common marigold ):
African Marigold (Tagetes Erecta)
Sometimes also referred to as Aztec marigolds or Mexican marigold , this mintage bears flossy head of up to 250 petals , foliage with 11 to 17 leaves per stem , and yield off an redolent scent when wound .
This is also one of the tallest species , reaching nearly 3′ feet magniloquent when in bloom .
French Marigold (Tagetes Patula)
Perhaps the most beautiful of all marigolds , this flower is famous for its bright - colored , velvety petals , and there are many French marigold cultivar to pick out from .
Mexican Mint Marigold (Tagetes Lucida)
rise that marigold have a great deal of variety , this species has clusters of golden yellow flowerheads , a dulcet odour , and bright leaves .
Signet Marigold (Tagetes Tenuifolia)
Boasting multiple head , each bearing five gold and orange ray florets , this coinage is edible and has a lemony savour .
They develop to around 20″ inch tall , and their employment in salad have them a great accession to any vegetable garden .
Common Marigold (Calendula Officinalis)
While not a true marigold , Calendulaofficinalis be given to have very similar upkeep needs and often buy the farm by the name “ pot marigold ” due to its gamey compatibility with life in flowerpot .
The plant life is fully edible with a nice spicy nip and may have either ray florets or disk florets in various spook ranging from yellow to red , with a broad range of size to choose from thanks to a flourishing cultivar industry .
When To Plant Marigolds
As a general rule , marigolds should be planted presently after the final frost .
However , this rule varies count on whether you start them indoors or plant them directly in the garden .
General Conditions
Marigold works do n’t like hoarfrost conditions , so you should either found when the peril of rime is over or plan to transfer at that clip .
Another thing to recall is thatmarigold come requiretemperatures between 70 ° and 75 ° degrees Fahrenheit to germinate right .
The third important affair to remember is that all marigolds varieties tend to blossom approximately 8 weeks after planting .
Planting Outdoors
When planting marigolds out of doors , you will postulate to wait for the peril of frost to pass .
You ’ll need the garden soil to be passably warm and annul poor dirt when potential ( although marigolds are very tolerant of most soil condition ) .
In more northerly zones , it ’s commonly best to aim for April to May as your planting time and plant each seed 1/4″ inch deep .
Germination will likely take 14 days or slightly longer since you have less control over outside conditions .
Once the seed have spud , you’re able to insulate them with a 1″ to 2″ inch layer of mulch , but keep in intellect that you wo n’t be able to insulate the ground in this manner before germination .
Planting Indoors
Most marigold lovers choose to get start indoors , disregardless of the type of marigold they want to grow .
you’re able to plant up to two months before the have a bun in the oven final frost using a seed tray filled with almost any commercial pot dirt .
Each seed should be planted approximately 1/4″ inches thick , and you will want to ensure they have systematically damp dirt ( but not wet ) .
Place the seeded player tray in a brilliant , collateral light speckle ; you should see sprouts in around 7 to 14 days .
Once they ’ve germinated and have two leave , you will want to thin them out , so they ’re at least 1″ inch apart .
At this point , you may also choose to graft them to their permanent container or into the garden ( provide the hazard of hoar has passed ) .
When transplanting , it ’s often a respectable mind to append a bed of mulch if your area is known to get the periodic recent frost .
Some Additional Marigold Tips
Planning ahead is a major part of grow any plant from seeded player , and marigolds are no different .
take where you want these annuals to grow and do a short homework oeuvre .
Before planting , loose the soil in your planting area and add an aggregate , if necessary , to ensure the flowers will have well - drained soil to grow in .
Also , think about the role your marigold will play in the garden .
They make decent border plant , and their shallow root word allow them to be intersperse closely with many other crops and cosmetic garden plants .
This is of import since marigold do far more than just look serious in a border garden .
In fact , while it ’s not something most multitude mark , the flavor of marigold repels several plant - damage insects and pests , while the bloom attract beneficial dirt ball and pollinators .
As the blooms will last from late bounce through late summer and often until the first frost ( peculiarly if youdeadhead ) , decide when and where to embed these lovely marvel can make all the difference .
