Marigolds are amazing flowers loved for their yellow, orange, copper, gold, and brass nuances and hues, but also for their companionship properties for other plants and vegetables. These annuals are incredibly easy to cultivate and maintain, especially in these parts – they love heat, have few pests to deal with and make useful additions to a property for those interested in organic gardening. Marigolds last throughout fall and look amazing no matter their colors and nuances. Today, our lawn care Sachse, TX specialists are here to offer you a quick guide on cultivating and caring for marigolds.

What Marigolds are Good for You?

To simplify things, you should know there are three large families of marigolds containing over 50 different species of different colors, scents and heights.

  • American marigolds: tall, upright, and aromatic, these marigolds thrive best in hot and dry areas and are the most cultivated ones in these parts.
  • French marigolds: they are bushy, smaller marigolds than their American sisters, compacted, elegant, and demure; they sport bright colors and subtle scents.
  • Signet marigolds: best for rock gardens, these marigolds love hot, dry sites; they are excellent choices for edging and their flowers are edible.

Planting Calendar

  • American marigolds: early spring
  • French and signet: from spring through mid summer

Planting Marigolds Tips and Tricks

  • Choose a soil area that is moderately fertile and well-drained.
  • Dig out the soil and free it from stones.
  • Add granular fertilizer in the planting holes to boost growth, especially for the American version which grows slower.
  • Leave some space in between two marigolds to promote growth: 8-10 inches for French varieties; 10-12 inches for the Americans.
  • Thoroughly water each planted flower after planting them.

Marigold Long-Term Care Tips

Watering

  • Marigolds are best watered in high heat
  • Marigolds should be watered at the base of the plant
  • Water marigolds in steps: water, let dry for a while, then water again.

Clipping

  • Clip the blossoms of the Americans to boost blooming.

Fertilization

  • Contrary to popular opinion, marigolds shouldn’t be fertilized; this might promote the growth of foliage at the expense of the flowers.
  • Instead of fertilizers, you can add a layer of organic mulch to promote nourishment, deter weeds and keep the soil moist.

Pest Control

  • Rarely, marigolds may be attacked by mites or aphids, but a water and insecticidal soap mix should fix the problem if you spray for a couple of weeks on a daily basis Marigolds get sometimes infested by aphids or mites, but you can easily solve the problem.

Disease Control

  • If your marigolds get a fungal infection – however rare – don’t water the leaves and make sure weeds don’t get near the flowers.

Ask your lawn care Sachse TX specialists about more tips and tricks on planting and caring for marigolds as ornamental and companion plants, beautifying your garden all year long. Some of the marigolds make excellent additions to summer salads, so start growing these wondrous flowers!