CHOOSE A VARIETY
There are a few varieties of Marigolds: African which are a taller variety; French which are the dwarf varieties; Triploid which are a cross between the two and then there are the Singles which look a lot like daisies.
Marigolds come in varying shades of orange and yellow, with highlights of copper, brass, red and gold depending on the hybrid you grow. They grow as small plants with deep green leafy foliage and can reach around 20cm in height and width.
TIP: If you are wanting a particular colour or type of Marigold they are easily grown from seeds or from established seedlings from your garden centre.
WHERE TO PLANT
Growing Marigolds is relatively easy. Sow Marigolds in spring and watch them bloom quickly in many bursts of colour. They are great as bedding plants and their ideal location is in full sun with good drainage. As they are quite hardy they will tolerate most conditions. If you are located in an area where extreme heat can be a problem, then some afternoon shade will be helpful. Marigolds will not tolerate frost.
TIP: DIG IN SOME COMPOSTED POULTRY MANURE INTO THE SOIL WHEN PLANTING TO ENCOURAGE HEALTHY ROOT ESTABLISHMENT & FLOWERS. SUPER BOOSTER PELLETS ARE PERFECT.
WATERING
To maintain healthy Marigolds the key is keeping the soil moist but not soggy and wet. Water regularly if the weather has been dry. If your plants are in containers then daily watering is essential. Water at the base of the plant instead of from the top as it will help prevent rot.
TIP: GIVE THE PLANT A DOSE OF SEAWEED CONCENTRATE LIKE KATEK NEPTUNE LIQUID TO BOOST PLANT GROWTH AND OVERALL HEALTH
GENERAL CARE
Deadheading the spent flowers will encourage further blooms later and encourage bushier growth. The spent flowers can also be dried and stored as seeds to plant next time. Marigolds are self seeding plants, if the plant is left it will eventually go to seed and spread those seeds throughout your garden for next season.
FERTILISING
A good balanced fertiliser like Katek Rose & Flower will help produce healthy colourful blooms in your Marigolds and keep the plants in great condition. It is important to feed the plants regularly, but not to over fertilise as this can mean all growth and not so many blooms. Apply Rose & Flower Fertiliser every 6-8 weeks during Spring and through to Autumn and change to a seaweed liquid over Autumn and Winter to prevent disease.
Regular applications of a seaweed concentrate like Katek Neptune or Super Growth Liquid Fertiliser will also benefit plant growth and health whilst also increasing the number of flowers your plant may produce.
TIP: A fertiliser like Rose & Flower, based on composted poultry manure is full of live beneficial microbes and rich in plant available, slow release nutrients.
MULCHING
Mulching is important for maintaining cool and moist roots for your marigolds, especially during the warmer months of the year. We recommend a thick layer of cane mulch, straw mulch or Katek Not Just Mulch around 2 to 3cm deep spread evenly over your whole garden. Mulching also helps to prevent weeds and puts organic matter back into your soil as it breaks down too.