When is the best time to sow marigolds
The editor will explain the best time to sow marigolds and related knowledge about the green plant aspects of marigold sowing time and methods, keep reading!
Marigolds are annual herbaceous flowers of the Asteraceae marigold genus, also known as big hibiscus, marigold lamp, comb flower, stinking菊花, scorpion flower, etc. They are native to Mexico and are distributed throughout China. Marigolds are commonly sown in spring. The plant has a special odor, large and beautiful flowers, full and overlapping petals, and a long blooming period, making them often used for flower bed decoration and potted plants. Marigold flowers are yellow or orange, single or double-petaled, and come in dwarf and standard varieties, as well as small and slender marigolds.
Marigolds prefer warm and humid conditions, require plenty of sunlight, and are adaptable, but do not grow well in extreme heat. They are not picky about soil but thrive in fertile, deep, humus-rich, and well-drained sandy soil. The blooming period of marigolds is from June to October. The optimal growing temperature is between 15-25°C, and the optimal blooming temperature is between 18-20°C. The relative humidity of the growing environment should be around 60-70%. If the temperature drops below 5°C or exceeds 30°C, it can cause the plant to grow tall and spindly with loose stems and leaves and few flowers. Therefore, the winter temperature should not be below 5°C, and the summer temperature should not exceed 30°C.
I. Marigold propagation methods:
The main methods of propagating marigolds are播种 (seeding) and cutting propagation.
Seeding propagation: Generally, sowing is done from March to April each year, and it can be done through seedling transplanting or direct sowing in the garden. If sowing in a greenhouse or in a warm indoor area using pots, it can be sown as early as February. The common sowing methods include row sowing, furrow broadcasting, or bed surface broadcasting. After sowing, cover the soil to the point where the seeds are no longer visible, and use straw mats or plastic film to keep the soil moist. Maintain bed soil moisture, with a daytime temperature of 21°C and a nighttime temperature not below 17°C. Seeds usually germinate within 7 days. When seedlings reach 5 cm in height, transplant them once. Marigolds can be planted after they have 5-7 true leaves. To control plant height, sowing can also be done in summer, with flowers blooming 60 days after germination.
Cutting method: Marigolds can be propagated by cuttings in summer, which root easily and grow quickly. Cut 8-12 cm tender branches from the mother plant as cuttings, remove the lower leaves, insert them into the potting soil, with 3 cuttings per pot. After watering thoroughly and slightly shading, roots can form in 2 weeks. Then, gradually move them to a sunny area for daily management, and flowers can bloom in about 1 month.
II. Planting: Marigolds can be planted after they have 5-7 true leaves. They can be planted in pots or around the courtyard. If planted in a continuous area, the spacing should be 30-35 cm to avoid too dense planting, which can affect ventilation and lead to serious powdery mildew later on. If direct seeding in pots or courtyard, thinning slightly after seedlings emerge is sufficient.
III. Water and fertilizer management: This is relatively simple. After transplanting seedlings, they should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. During the growing period, excessive watering should be avoided, as it can cause yellowing and leaf drop. Watering should be done when the soil is completely dry to promote root growth. Fertilization should be timely, with applications every 20 days from planting to flowering, using diluted decomposed human manure, decomposed cake fertilizer, or a mixture of dried cow, pig manure, cake fertilizer powder, and a small amount of ammonium sulfate or urea. This mixture is scattered in the rows and mixed well with the soil during weeding. Top dressing is done when flowers are in full bloom, preferably in the late afternoon. During dry spells in the summer flowering period, watering should be done in a timely manner to prevent leaf drop and frequent fertilization to extend the blooming period.
IV. Daily management: After planting, pinching the tips can promote branching and flowering. Regularly hoeing and weeding keeps the soil loose, reduces water evaporation, and promotes air circulation, which is important for the rapid and healthy growth of marigold seedlings. Pay attention to the prevention and control of red spiders. After flowering, prune the spent flowers and branches to renew the flower branches and extend the blooming period.
V. Seed collection: From June to October, after the flowers wither, the seeds gradually turn black and mature, and can be harvested in a timely manner. Dry the seeds in a ventilated area, clean them, and store them in bags to prevent mildew and insect infestation.
The above-sharing of the best time to sow marigolds and the experience of marigold sowing time and methods hope to provide you with some help after reading this article!