Description

• The attractive, ancient, and scented flower marigold is everyone’s favorite. Marigolds are annual flowers that complete their life cycle in one growing season. It is beloved by butterflies, bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects as well as kids. Marigolds not only bring colors and beauty to your garden but also repel unwanted visitors (tomato hornworms, cabbage worms, and whiteflies)
• Where to grow: Balcony or terrace garden Growing season: Throughout the year Sowing method: Seedling transplant Germination temperature: 15-26°C Germination Time: 4-10 days from sowing Blooming Time: 8 weeks from sowing
• Soil – Use fertile and well-drained soil for planting marigolds. It does not perform well in very acidic, clay or soil rich in excess organic matter.
• Water – Marigolds need daily watering in the initial days but once established weekly watering is sufficient, but you should check if the soil is dry and water them if it is dry.
• Sunlight – Most marigolds love full sunlight but can tolerate some shade. They prefer afternoon shade during summer.
• Temperature – The temperature above 35°C and below 4°C is not good for the growth of the marigold. The ideal temperature for growing marigolds is 18-30°C.
• Common pests and diseases – Insects such as snails, slugs, aphids, and spider mites inhibit the growth of marigolds. And some diseases such as root rot, and gray mold infect marigolds. But the most common disease caused by fungal spores is powdery mildew. You can prevent your plant from this by providing good air circulation between plants and avoiding overhead watering.
• Pruning/Deadhead – Pruning is very important to keep the marigold plants neat and well-shaped or to encourage healthy and new blooms. You can cut off visible spent or discolored or dried flowers on the plant using a pruning tool. If any unhealthy or brown stems appear on the marigolds plant, cut them off carefully.
• Mulching – 1-2 layers of mulch are very helpful for marigold plants to retain moisture in the soil and discourage weeds.