Marigolds are very easy to grow plants and are available in various colors, such as white, yellow, orange, red, and mixed colors. These plants will develop in mid-summer to winter. Marigolds are also available in various sizes, from miniatures smaller than 30 cm to large variations that can grow to a height of 121 cm! You can choose the perfect color and size for your flower garden, and don't overlook marigolds in garden containers, as small marigolds thrive in containers.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparing to Grow Marigolds
Step 1. Determine what growth zone you live in
The USDA has defined 13 growth zones for the United States, ranging from extremely cold zone 1 (in far northern Alaska) to extremely warm zone 13 (in parts of Hawaii and Puerto Rico). Most countries have growth zones that range from Zone 3 to Zone 10. Marigolds are annuals in most zones, meaning they die in winter and don't live again until the next growing season.
Marigolds are hardy and self-seeding plants. If you live in Zone 8 or higher, your marigolds may not die in winter and may come back strong the following spring
Step 2. Know when to plant marigolds
Although marigolds are very hardy plants, they can die in winter. Plant marigolds after winter.
If possible, plant marigolds on a sunny day or early in the morning; this will help avoid transplant shocks to the plant from the heat
Step 3. Decide whether you will use seeds or seedlings
The seeds will take a few weeks to start growing, but they are inexpensive. Meanwhile, seeds or plants purchased from a plant shop will immediately give you satisfaction, but they are more expensive.
- If you decide to use seeds, you will need to start planting them indoors 4 – 6 weeks before you want to plant them outdoors.
- If you use seeds or plants, you can plant them immediately after winter has passed.
Step 4. determine where you will grow the marigolds
Marigolds do well in flowerbeds and other pots and containers, but they need space to spread out. Fully grown marigolds in the flowerbed should be 60 to 90 cm apart so that the marigolds can receive sufficient sunlight.
- Marigolds grow best in full sun, although they can tolerate 20% of the plant in shade. Do not plant marigolds in complete shade, as they will not thrive.
- Marigolds can grow in dry and sandy soil, but do not grow well in muddy soil. Make sure your flowerbed or container has adequate drainage; You can add a layer of gravel at the bottom and cover with soil before you plan to add drainage.
Step 5. Determine the size of the marigolds you want to plant
There are four main groups of marigold species, and each species produces variations in color and size.
- There are two basic variations for African marigolds: “large-flowered” and “tall.” Large-flowered African marigolds are usually short, between 30 – 35 cm, but as the name implies, have large flowers (up to 7.6 cm in diameter). Tall African marigolds have small flowers but can grow up to 91 cm. Both African marigolds always produce orange or yellow flowers. African marigolds can also be considered as American marigolds.
- There are two basic variations for French marigolds: "large-flowered" and "dwarf." Large-flowered French marigolds have a height of between 30-40 cm with large flowers reaching 5 cm. Dwarf French marigolds rarely grow taller than 30 cm and produce small flowers. French marigolds come in yellow, gold, and orange color variations.
- Triploid marigolds are a mixture of French and African marigolds and are sometimes referred to as “mule” marigolds because they are non-reproductive. This triploid marigold grows quite tall and produces large flowers that reach 5 cm.
- Single marigolds are commonly known as signet marigolds. The marigold has a quite different appearance from other marigold variations because the flowers are very simple and look like daisies, instead of thick flowers like other types of marigolds.
Part 2 of 4: Growing Marigolds from Seeds
Step 1. Buy seeds
A pack of seeds costs between IDR 1,300.00 to IDR 13,000, 00 or more per pack, depending on the type. You can buy seeds at plant supply centers, superstores, and online retailers.
- French marigolds started from seed grow much faster than African marigolds. Mixed variations usually don't start from seed.
- If you have leftover seeds, you can save them for the next growing season. Store in an airtight container such as a mason jar, and store in a cool, dry place.
Step 2. Use a separate seed planter to start your seeds
It is best to use a separate seed container so that you can easily separate the roots from your seedlings when they are starting to grow. You can buy them at many plant stores.
You can also use a cardboard egg container filled with potting mix to start your seeds
Step 3. Fill the seed planter with potting mix or starting seed mix
It is better to use nutrient rich soil or mix instead of regular soil when starting seeds, as nutrient rich soil will give the seeds an additional nutritional boost and make it easier for young roots to become strong.
Step 4. Sow the seeds in the soil
Refer to the instructions on the package for the correct planting depth, as this will vary for each type of marigold. Avoid sowing more than two seeds in the same seed planter, sowing multiple seeds in the same place will make them compete with each other for sunlight and oxygen and will prevent rapid growth.
Step 5. Moisturize the soil daily using a spray bottle
Watering freshly sown seeds using a water bottle can remove the seeds. Use a spray bottle filled with clean water to moisten the soil until it's wet.
Step 6. Thin the seedlings when they reach a height of 5 cm
Use a spoon or other small tool to dig the seedlings out of the planter, but be careful not to damage the roots. Remove dead or brown seedlings.
Step 7. Transplant the marigolds when they reach a height of 15 cm
Transplant your marigolds into your flowerbed or container when they are 15 cm tall and look strong enough. Handle your plant with care so as not to damage the roots.
Part 3 of 4: Planting Your Marigolds
Step 1. Loosen the soil by digging to a depth of at least 15 cm
Use an air-filler with your hands, a hoe, or even your own to loosen up large lumps of soil and make sure it's hollow so oxygen can reach the roots of your plants.
Remove sticks, stones, or debris from the ground. These items can hinder the growth of the roots
Step 2. Dig a shallow hole for planting
The root ball of the marigold plant should be able to fit in the hole while the leaves remain above the ground.
Step 3. Place the plant in the hole
Cover the root ball with soil and pat it firmly in place. Use a can of water to water the plants at the bottom, watering until the soil is wet but not flooded.
Step 4. Avoid weeds with straw
Spreading 2.5 – 5 cm layer of straw, pine bark, or other organic material on your plot between marigold plants will help prevent weed growth. It also helps keep the soil moist, meaning you don't have to water it too often.
Step 5. Apply fertilizer to the soil
Most fertilizers available for home use contain three basic nutrients that are essential for plant growth: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- The three numbers on the fertilizer package indicate the concentration of each nutrient. Marigolds can thrive using a 20-10-20 fertilizer (20% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 20% potassium.)
- Do not apply too much fertilizer or you will damage your marigolds. Giving fertilizer once in two weeks is enough.
Part 4 of 4: Cultivating Your Marigolds
Step 1. Water your marigolds from below, not from above
Watering over marigold flowers and leaves can damage or rot them. Use a can of water to water your flowers from the base of the plant.
Avoid using a hose to water your plants. The power of the water can remove the top of the soil
Step 2. Deadhead your marigolds
“Deadhead” is a cultivating process in which you snip off dead flowers from your plants. While this is not strictly necessary, deadheading marigolds can speed up the plant to produce new flowers.
To make your marigolds dense, pluck out any new growth you don't want
Step 3. Use insecticidal soap to prevent your plants from being invaded by parasites
Although marigolds are hardy plants, they sometimes experience pest problems. A small amount of insecticidal soap solution, which is widely available in plant stores and even supermarkets, can help keep pests away without poisoning your plants.
Some species of marigolds are edible. If you use marigolds for food preparation, wash them thoroughly first to remove any residual insecticidal soap. Do not eat marigolds that have been sprayed with chemical pesticides
Step 4. Provide poles to your plants, if needed
Most marigold species grow fairly close to the ground, but if you choose a taller variety of marigold, such as the African marigold, you may need to provide a post to support the stem. Use a pole that is about 60 cm high and tie the rod to the pole using a soft, elastic cloth. (old nylon stockings work best for this!)
Tips
- Marigolds have a very strong herbal fragrance. Some people like it, some people don't. If a strong smell bothers you, ask your plant store for a less strong-smelling variety of marigold.
- Marigold fishing for butterflies! Plant it near a window so you can enjoy it.
- Many marigold species are self-seeding, meaning that the seeds released will grow into new plants. Some species, such as the “marigold mule,” are sterile marigolds and cannot seed themselves.
- To harvest marigold seeds, pluck the depleted flowers from the plant. Pluck the undercoat just below the petals to reveal tiny seeds that look like stems. Store in a paper towel or newspaper indoors to dry, then seal in an envelope or glass jar and store in a cool, dry place until the next growing season.
