Marigolds [tagetes] are one of the more popular flowering annuals. They can be found growing in almost every part of the landscape including the vegetable garden, as they are known for repelling unwanted insects.
They are easy to grow, rarely bothered by pests or disease, grow in average well drained soil, and will bloom for weeks when they have the proper growing conditions. Native to Mexico and South America they are members of the daisy family. Marigolds are easily identified by their brightly-coloured blooms of reds, oranges and yellows, and finely-divided, green foliage that have a distinct scent when crushed.
Marigolds are a strong, sturdy plant that do not need a lot of care once they've become established.
They are able to withstand rain, wind, heat and sun, and have some tolerance to drought. Plant them in full sun, in a well-drained soil for the best results.
Fertilize them regularly with a flowering plant fertilizer that has a lower first number (nitrogen) and a higher middle number (phosphorus) such as 12-36-12. For optimum blossom growth, remove the old, finished flowers when they are finished blooming so that the plants energy will goes towards new flowers.
Finished flowers that are left on the plant will form seeds which takes energy away from flower production. Removing the old, finished flowers also keeps the plant looking neat and tidy.
Marigold plants become available at the garden centres in the spring as young transplants but they can also be easily started by seed. The seed racks are already on display at the garden centres giving the gardener lots of time to select favourite varieties.
There is a much larger selection of marigolds in the seed racks than there is in the bedding plants, which is one of the advantages to starting your own plants from seed.
Marigolds are easy to start from seed, making them good for the beginner gardener. Seeds should be started indoors six to 10 weeks (depending on variety) before the last spring frost, which in Prince George tends to be the end of May.
Plant seeds in peat pots, pellets, or containers filled with moistened starter mix, following the planting instructions on the seed packet. After planting the seed, place a plastic dome on top of the container and set the containers in a warm area. Seeds will germinate in seven to 10 days. Remove the plastic dome as soon as the seeds have germinated. For even growing the young seedlings need lots of direct light.
An adjustable growing light placed on top of the young seedlings works well. Fertilize young seedlings with a plant starter 10-52-10, and then switch to an all-purpose 20-20-20 when the plants become bigger.
A week before planting outdoors, harden the seedlings off by placing the seedlings outside during the day and bringing them in at night. This will prevent less stress on the plants. Plant outside after all risk of frost has passed.
Marigold varieties are divided into three groups.
The tallest group is the tagetes erecta commonly known as African marigolds. Varieties in this group can grow 40 to 90 cm tall making them ideal for the middle to back of a flowerbed. The flowers are large and make nice cut flowers.
The next group is Tagetes patula commonly known as French marigolds. These grow 15 to 45 cm tall and have smaller (three to eight cm) flowers, and are often found in borders.
The third group is Tagetes tennuifolia, commonly known as dwarf signet marigolds. These have fine, fern-like foliage which have a lemon fragrance. The plant produces large masses of small 2.5 cm single yellow or orange flowers. This plant grows 15 to 20 cm tall.
