How to plant marigolds
Today, the editor will introduce how to plant marigolds and the related knowledge of marigold planting methods and timing. Let's get to know more about it.
Marigold is an annual herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, also known as the marigold genus. It is also called peacock grass, red and yellow grass, Mexican daisy, stinking菊花, and satin flower, among other names. The plant has a special odor, large and colorful flowers, relatively short stems, full and overlapping petals, and a long blooming period, from July to frosting. Therefore, marigolds are commonly used for flower bed landscaping and can also be potted.
Native to Mexico, marigolds are mainly cultivated in gardens in Yunnan, Guizhou, and other regions in China. They enjoy sunlight but can also bloom in semi-shaded areas. They are not particular about soil and are both resistant to transplanting and grow rapidly, making them easy to cultivate. Seeds that fall on the ground can grow spontaneously under suitable temperature and humidity conditions, making them a highly adaptable flower. Marigolds prefer warm and humid conditions, require ample sunlight, and have strong adaptability, but they do not grow well under extreme heat. They are not strict about soil requirements but thrive in fertile, deep, humus-rich, and well-drained sandy soil. The blooming period of marigolds is from June to October.
I. Marigold propagation methods:
The main method of propagating marigolds is by sowing seeds. Generally, sowing takes place from March to April each year. It can be done by seedling transplanting or direct sowing in the garden. If seedlings are started in a greenhouse or in a warm indoor area using pots, sowing can be done as early as February. Common sowing methods include strip sowing, furrow broadcasting, or bed broadcasting. After sowing, cover the seeds with soil so they are not visible and use straw or plastic film to keep the soil moist. The daytime temperature should be around 21°C, and the nighttime temperature should not be below 17°C. Seeds usually germinate within 7 days. When seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, they can be transplanted. To control plant height, sowing can also be done in the summer, and the seedlings will bloom about 60 days after germination.
II. Potting soil preparation for potted marigolds: Marigolds grown for ornamental purposes are usually potted. When choosing pots, pots with a diameter of 12 centimeters or more are commonly used. The first step in potting is to prepare the growing soil, which is crucial. A pot is a unique small environment, and using any single type of soil cannot meet all the requirements of marigolds. Therefore, it is necessary to manually prepare the growing soil to replace the natural soil and keep the flowers stable in the pot, with good water retention and drainage. The soil should be loose, fertile, and well-drained. The common ratio for potted marigolds is about 50% garden soil, 25% decomposed leaf mold, and 25% coarse sand. It is best to sterilize the prepared soil at high temperatures (by frying in a wok) before use or expose it to the sun to kill germs.
III. Potting: Transplant the marigolds into pots when they have 2-3 pairs of true leaves. First, soak the new pot in water for a day, then place some broken tiles at the bottom of the pot, followed by some decomposed cake fertilizer or decomposed manure, crushed bones, fish bones, chicken feathers, and other base fertilizers. Then, fill the pot with prepared soil. Trim the damaged and excess roots of the marigold plant, ensuring that the roots are spread out. Fill the soil to half the height of the pot, then lightly lift and shake the plant to compact the soil. Do not plant too deep; keep the rootstock level with the pot opening. Planting too shallow may affect survival, and planting too deep may affect the growth of the marigolds after transplanting. Water the plants thoroughly after planting. New plants should be protected from prolonged exposure to strong sunlight as their roots have not fully developed. Keep the plants in a shaded environment for about a week before moving them to a sunny location. The spacing between marigold plants should be around 30-5 centimeters to avoid planting too densely, which could affect ventilation and lead to serious powdery mildew later on. If seeds are sown directly in pots or in the garden, thinning is required after the seedlings emerge.
IV. Daily care:
1. Water and fertilizer management: The care of marigolds is relatively simple. After transplanting seedlings, they should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. During the growing period, they do not like excessive watering. If excessive water is applied, it can lead to yellowing and falling leaves. Watering should be done thoroughly, which is beneficial for root growth. Pay attention to timely fertilization. Before flowering, fertilize every 20 days with dilute decomposed human manure, decomposed cake fertilizer, or other topdressings. You can also use dried cow or pig manure mixed with cake fertilizer powder and a small amount of ammonium sulfate or urea, spread in the rows and mixed well with the soil. foliar feeding should be done when the flowers are in full bloom, preferably in the late afternoon. During dry periods in the summer, water promptly to prevent leaf drop and apply fertilizer frequently to extend the blooming period.
2. Pinch the tips after transplanting to promote more branching and flowering.
3. Regularly till the soil to remove weeds, keep the soil loose, reduce moisture evaporation, and promote air circulation, which is important for the rapid and healthy growth of marigold seedlings.
4. Pay attention to preventing and controlling red spider mites. After flowering, prune the spent flowers and branches to renew the flowering stems, which can extend the blooming period.
5. Seed collection: From July to October, after the flowers wither, the seeds gradually turn black and mature. They can be harvested in time, dried in a well-ventilated area, cleaned, and stored in bags to prevent mildew and insect infestation.
Have you understood the detailed introduction about how to plant marigolds and the methods and timing for marigold planting mentioned above?