How to Sow Marigolds
A comprehensive introduction to how to sow marigolds and the planting methods and management of green plants and flowers, with the site editor introducing to netizens next.
Marigolds, also known as "drunkenness��酒花," belong to the genus Calendula of the Asteraceae family and are a biennial herbaceous plant. Marigolds occupy a relatively small area, with flowers mostly in golden yellow, which we can keep in the living room, window sill, or balcony. This not only brightens and makes the home more comfortable but also promotes ventilation and air circulation for the marigolds.
The reason marigolds are called "drunkenness��酒花" is that marigold tea has a bitter taste, which can promote bile secretion and has a liver-tonic effect, helping to alleviate alcohol poisoning. Moreover, marigold tea has antibacterial and wound-constricting properties, which can improve issues with enlarged pores and can adjust sensitive skin types, thus making marigolds beneficial for beauty.
Because of their long blooming period, marigolds are considered a symbol of "perseverance" and are often used as decorative flowers in weddings to bless the couple with "eternal love." In the West, marigolds symbolize "sorrow, separation, and sadness." In Greek mythology, marigolds represent "the pain of parting and infatuation." In China, because marigolds have the function of sobering up, they symbolize "reminding." It can be said that marigolds have different meanings in different countries.
Marigolds not only have bright colors and a long blooming period but also have the effects of sobering up and beautifying, as well as many flower languages. Many flower enthusiasts say that it is not easy to germinate marigolds, so the following are my methods for sowing and caring for marigolds, hoping to help those in need.
How to Sow Marigolds for Better Germination?
One: When is the best time to sow marigolds?
You can sow marigolds in early spring or autumn. Spring sowing usually occurs between February and March, while autumn sowing is suitable in mid-September. The temperature should be around 20 degrees Celsius. Generally, marigolds germinate better in autumn than in spring because spring sowing requires a warm indoor environment, while autumn sowing can be done outdoors, making it easier for marigolds to germinate in autumn. However, marigolds sown in spring will bloom in June of the same year, while those sown in autumn can bloom in May of the following year.
Two: How to Sow Marigolds Properly?
Soak the marigold seeds in warm water at a temperature of 35-40 degrees Celsius for 3-4 hours, then rinse them with clean water, drain the excess water, and proceed to sow. Prepare some loose, well-draining, slightly acidic sandy soil, place it in a ceramic pot, and water thoroughly. After the water has drained, bury the seeds in the soil. Generally, in an environment of 20-22 degrees Celsius, the seeds can germinate in 7-10 days. When the marigold seedlings grow to 2-3 centimeters tall, you can thin them out, following the principle of "removing the weak and keeping the strong." The spacing can be set at 3-4 centimeters, which is convenient for later potting and transplanting. When the seedlings reach about 7-8 centimeters tall, they can be transplanted into pots.Potting and Cultivating Marigolds, You Can Choose the Right Pot and Soil, Then Pot and Cultivate
One: Choose the Right Pot
When cultivating marigolds, you can use small pots of 10-12 centimeters with multiple drainage holes to ensure better drainage.
Two: Fertile, loose, breathable, and well-draining slightly acidic soil is more suitable for marigold growth
Marigolds prefer fertile, loose, breathable, and well-draining slightly acidic soil. This type of soil promotes more branching and larger flowers in marigolds. For potting, a mixture of decomposed leaf mold, garden soil, and coarse sand can be used.
How to Sow Marigolds
Three: When potting marigolds, you can add base fertilizer
Water the marigold seedlings thoroughly before transplanting them in the evening, which makes it easier to pot with soil balls. Place a piece of window screen over the drainage hole of the pot, then add decomposed manure. Fill the pot with mixed soil to about half its capacity. Place the marigold with the soil ball in the center of the pot and then fill the surrounding area with soil. After the soil is full, gently press it down, water thoroughly, and place it in a shady area to acclimate. It can be normally maintained after 7-10 days.Light Management, Marigolds Belong to Short-Day Flowers
Marigolds are short-day flowers and can grow well with about 6 hours of sunlight per day. Too much or too little sunlight will affect the blooming of marigolds.
Temperature Management, Cold Tolerant but Not Heat Tolerant
Marigolds are cold-tolerant but not heat-tolerant flowers. They can withstand temperatures as low as -9 degrees Celsius. The optimal growing temperature is between 7 and 20 degrees Celsius. High temperatures are not conducive to the growth of marigolds. Therefore, in summer, we can reduce the temperature by ventilating and spraying water to help the marigolds grow better.
Watering Management, Drought Tolerant but Not Moisture Tolerant
Marigolds do not require excessive watering during the growing period. It is sufficient to keep the soil moist. In the summer when it rains frequently, you can place the marigolds in a sheltered area to prevent waterlogging in the pot, which can lead to root rot and death.Fertilizing Management, Fertilizing is Also Possible During the Blooming Period
Marigolds enjoy fertilizer. During the growing period, they require ample fertilizer and water. Generally, you can fertilize once every 15 days, using a mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When marigolds are in full bloom, you can spray diluted potassium dihydrogen phosphate and urea water-soluble fertilizer after 6 p.m., which will make the flowers more vibrant. Additionally, eggshells left over from eating eggs can be placed in the pot to supplement nutrients for the marigolds.