Marigold Gardening For Beginners – Planting FAQs

Introduction to Marigold Gardening for Beginners: Hello everyone we are here with another topic today. Do you want to have a marigold plant and do you have any doubts about planting marigold? Well and then you will need to follow this complete article to plant a marigold. In this article, we are going to discuss marigold planting frequently asked questions – FAQs.

Once established, marigolds require very little upkeep and are pest-free. They’re frequently employed to ward off pests. Marigolds bloom virtually continuously during the summer and will continue to do so until frost. Keep your marigolds deadheaded to ensure nonstop flowering.

The Overview Table Of Marigold Plant Is Given Below:

Botanical Name	(Tagetes spp.)
Common Name	Marigold
Plant Type	Annual
Mature Size	4 to 36 inches tall and even 6 to 18 inches wide
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Soil Type	Fertile and well-drained
Soil pH	6.0 to 7.0
Bloom Time	Summer
Flower Color	Yellow, orange, white, red, gold, and bicolor

A Step By Step Guide To Marigold Gardening For Beginners, Marigold Questions and Answers (FAQs)

Marigold Planting Questions and Answers — Marigold (Image source: pixabay)

Marigolds thrive in direct sunlight and can typically tolerate scorching summer temperatures. African and signet marigolds are drought-tolerant, while French marigolds are wet-tolerant.

Marigolds are susceptible to powdery mildew and will not bloom properly if planted in shade and cool, wet locations.

Marigolds thrive on moderately fertile, well-drained soil; however, they will grow in practically any soil.

Prepare the soil by loosening it by digging down about 6 inches. Stones should be removed.

Now, let us discuss some frequently asked questions about marigold planting

What is the best location for marigold planting?

The best location to plant marigolds is a sunny and partial shade location. You need to place it in suitable soil to grow the plant very well.

What is the best time to plant marigolds?

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Marigold Gardening — Marigold Garden (pic source: pixabay)

After the risk of frost has gone in your location, you can sow marigold seeds immediately outdoors in the spring or start seeds indoors up to eight weeks before the last frost. Seeds germinate in four to fourteen days at soil temperatures between 21°C and 23°C.

Do marigolds come back each year?

All of the common types of marigolds for garden planting are annuals, meaning they sprout, blossom, and die in the same year. However, due to self-seeding, they may return the following year.

Should marigolds be grown in the sun or the shade?

Marigolds grow quickly and very easily once planted. Most thrive in direct sunlight and are unfazed by hot and sunny conditions. Marigolds can withstand the reflected heat and light of paved surfaces if they are given enough water. Marigolds, on the other hand, will withstand up to 20% shade if the rest of the day is bright.

Is it necessary to soak marigold seeds before planting them?

Soaking large seeds like sunflowers and nasturtiums in warm water overnight is beneficial. Moonflowers, lupins, sweet peas, and morning glories are among the flower seeds that germinate quickly. Smaller seeds, like zinnias and marigolds, can also be soaked.

Why are my marigolds dying?

Blights, rots, and mildews are among the most frequent marigold illnesses. These diseases usually appear when the weather is damp and warm, and fungal spores are abundant. In most circumstances, merely ceasing overhead watering will prevent spore formation and dissemination.

Is it true that marigolds require a lot of water?

Once a week, give established marigolds in garden beds a good soak. Provide enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. They’ll require more water if the weather is exceptionally hot or windy. When the top 1 to 2 inches of soil in a pot is dry, then water marigolds.

Is it true that marigolds attract bees?

Marigolds attract bees mostly because of their pollen and nectar. Pollen and nectar from marigold flowers are important food sources for bees. Bees, like humans, require a well-balanced diet, which they can obtain from flowers such as marigolds.

Can marigolds grow in pots?

Any form of marigold can be planted in pots, however, some varieties, such as African marigolds, can grow to be 3 feet or 1 m tall and maybe too big for typical containers. Marigolds grown in containers are preferred by most gardeners.

When planting marigold seeds, how deep should they be buried?

Directly sow marigold seed in the ground, and then cover with a thin layer of dirt (approximately 1/8 inch deep). Thoroughly wet the area. After seedlings have sprouted, then thin to 8 to 18 inches apart. Marigolds can also be started indoors under grow lights and transplanted outdoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date.

What is the fastest way to germinate marigold seeds?

If you’re starting indoors, then sow the seeds in a well-draining and rich soilless growing medium in a warm place. Scatter the seeds on top of the mix, and then cover them with a very fine layer (less than ¼ inch or 0.5 cm) of more medium. Marigold seed usually takes 5 to 7 days to germinate.

How do I plant marigold seeds?

Direct sow seed thinly into well-prepared soil either in drills 1cm deep by rows 30cm part or scatter seed and lightly cover with a thin layer of fine soil. Germination takes 5 to 15 days. Thin the seedlings to nearly about 20cm apart.

What causes the leaves of marigolds to turn yellow?

Aster yellows are caused by a phytoplasma, a very small organism. When this phytoplasma infects a plant’s leaves, the leaves turn yellow or red. This could be what’s causing your marigold leaves to turn yellow. Leafhoppers transport phytoplasmas from one plant to the next.

What is the best way to make my marigolds bushy?

Pinching the tips of developing stems slows their growth, at least momentarily, and encourages the formation of side shoots. As a result, the plants will become bushier. Plants like lavatera, marigold, and zinnia are naturally bushy, but pinching the tips of their stems increases their business.

How often should I water marigold?

When growing marigolds, you need to check soil weekly: When the top inch is dry, it’s time to water. Marigolds growing in containers will need more frequent watering. Each time you water, be sure to drench the soil and then aim the nozzle or spout of your watering device toward the base of the plants.

What can I plant next to the marigold plant?

Some common vegetables that enjoy marigold companion are listed below:

Cucumbers
Melons
Eggplants
Squash
Potatoes
Lettuce
Pumpkins
Tomatoes

Do marigolds bloom more than once?

Marigolds are annuals, so they won’t flower every year. However, by deadheading marigolds regularly, you may keep them in your flower beds all summer. If you keep busy removing spent marigold flowers, marigolds, like cosmos and geraniums, will bloom throughout the growing season.

How long do marigolds need to be in the sun?

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Marigold4 — **Marigolds** (Pic source: pixabay)

Marigolds, on average, require six hours of direct sunlight per day for normal foliage and bloom development.

What happens if marigolds are overwatered?

Unless the weather is particularly dry, you don’t need to water marigolds regularly. Too much water can cause waterlogging in the soil, which can increase root rot and the spread of fungal infections. Avoid watering the flowers since they will become soggy, squishy, brown, and mushy if you do.

What’s the reason with my marigold leaves curling?

Aphids curled and distorted the leaves. They suck plant liquids and swarm on young fragile stems and under leaves. The leaves become dry, curl, and become yellow as a result of this. Aphids attack plants that have previously been stressed by drought, heat, lack of light, or animal damage.

What kind of soil do marigolds like?

Full sun and deep, healthy soil with enough organic matter are the optimum conditions for growing marigolds. Your marigolds must be planted in well-draining soil. Clay soils are too heavy for appropriate aeration and cut the plant off from crucial oxygen, therefore sand or loam mixture is optimum.

When it comes to marigold plants, how long do they last?

Garden marigolds are annuals, meaning they germinate, grow, bloom, and die all in the same growing season. Even when started early in the year indoors rather than starting from seed directly in the garden, their maximum lifespan is less than a year.

How many marigold seeds should I plant?

Sow seeds 1 inch apart and no more than 1 inch deep in moist soil. Thin the seedlings while they are still a little 8 to 10 inches between French and signet types. The larger African marigolds should be spaced apart by at least 10 to 12 inches.

How long does it take a marigold seed to sprout out?

Marigolds are easy to rise from seed since they germinate quickly, sprouting in a few days and blooming in around 8 weeks. After all danger of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm up, sow seeds immediately outside. Seeds should be sown 1 inch apart and well-watered after planting.

What’s the best way to keep marigolds blooming?

You can encourage your marigold plants to bloom again and quickly enhance your environment by making minor changes to your plant care tactics
Make sure there is plenty of sunlight. The majority of flowering plants require a lot of sunlight to bloom
Marigolds should be irrigated regularly
Avoid using too much fertilizer
Remove spent marigold flowers

Is it possible to plant marigolds in small pots?

Healthy Marigolds require enough air circulation, therefore don’t overcrowd potted Marigolds. One Marigold can fill a 6-inch pot, but you can grow two or three in a 12-inch pot and five or more little plants in an 18-inch-diameter container. Make sure the container you’ve chosen has a drainage hole in the bottom.

What types of pests are repelled by marigolds?

The marigold is one of the most well-known insect repellent plants, and for very good reason: it has a smell that repels pests such as mosquitoes, nematodes such as cabbage worms, and other insects. Beneficial insects that attack and kill aphids are attracted to marigolds.

How do I keep bugs away from eating my marigolds?

To save your marigolds, you need to attack their garden enemies.

Pick off any bugs you see.
Place sticky traps around your marigolds.
Spray the marigolds with insecticidal soap, which eliminates garden insects without harming the plants.
Place plants that will deter the bugs around your marigold plant.

What is the best fertilizer for marigolds?

A complete fertilizer with a nitrogen count of 100 to 150 parts per million with a balance of nitrogen and even potassium, such as a 15-15-15, provides the best nutrient value for marigolds. Avoid ammonium fertilizers when the soil temperature falls below 18°C.

Do marigolds need fertilizer?

Marigolds should not be fertilized while they are growing. Too much nitrogen in the diet promotes luxuriant foliage at the price of flowers. In damp weather, the dense, double flower heads of African marigolds decay. Mulch between plants to keep weeds at bay and the soil moist, especially when the plants are young.

Are coffee grounds and eggshells good for marigolds?

Crush eggshells into small pieces and put them over marigold plants to create an impenetrable barrier. Sprinkle old coffee grinds around the magnolias as an alternative. Slugs are deterred by the caffeine in the grounds, which is safe for humans and animals.

Is Epsom salt beneficial to marigolds?

Yes, it appears that there are valid reasons to use Epsom salts for plants. Epsom salt improves flower blossoming and the colour of a plant’s leaves. It can even aid in the growth of bushier plants. Epsom salt is composed of hydrated magnesium sulphate (magnesium and sulphur), which is essential for plant growth.

What’s the reason for my marigold leaves drooping?

If the leaves begin to droop, they need to be watered as soon as possible. Make sure you don’t water marigolds from the top. Their blossoms will often turn into a mushy brown mass if they get too damp. If marigolds are overwatered, they might develop root rot as well.

Can I grow marigolds in a greenhouse?

If you want to brighten up your garden in the early summer, marigolds are the way to go. You can start planting them inside, in a greenhouse, for example. 6 to 8 weeks before the typical frost date, start cultivating the seeds in a greenhouse. Allowing them to grow indoors before transplanting them outside will give them an advantage.