How long does it take for marigolds to bloom after planting, and what are the planting methods and management techniques for marigolds?

How long does it take for marigolds to bloom after planting

Do you know this? Information about how long it takes for marigolds to bloom and the knowledge of marigold planting methods and flower management are as follows:

Marigolds, also known as "醒酒花" (wine-awakening flowers), belong to the genus Calendula in the Asteraceae family and are biennial herbaceous plants. Marigolds occupy a relatively small space, with flowers mostly in golden yellow. We can grow them in the living room, on a windowsill, or on a balcony, which not only brightens and makes the home more comfortable but also allows for better ventilation and air circulation for the marigolds.

The reason marigolds are called wine-awakening flowers is that marigold tea, due to its bitter taste, can promote bile secretion and has a liver-tonifying effect, which can help alleviate alcohol poisoning. Moreover, marigold tea also has antibacterial and wound-healing 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 wish the couple a "long bath of love." In the West, marigolds symbolize "sadness, separation, and sorrow." In Greek mythology, marigolds also represent "the pain of separation and infatuation." In China, due to their wine-awakening effect, marigolds symbolize "reminder." 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. There are also many flower languages associated with them. Many gardening enthusiasts say that it is not easy to germinate marigold seeds. Below, I will share my method of sowing and growing marigolds, hoping to help fellow gardeners.

How to sow marigolds for better and more complete germination?

One: What is the best time to sow marigolds?

We can sow marigolds in early spring or autumn. Spring sowing usually occurs between February and March, while autumn sowing is suitable in mid-September. Whether in spring or autumn, 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 and dry the excess moisture before sowing. Prepare some loose, well-draining, slightly acidic sandy soil, place it in a clay pot, and water it thoroughly. After the water has渗透, 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, we can thin them out, following the principle of "removing the weak and keeping the strong." The spacing can be set at 3-4 centimeters to facilitate future transplanting with soil balls. When the seedlings reach about 7-8 centimeters tall, they can be transplanted into pots.

Planting marigolds in pots involves choosing the right pot and soil, then transplanting

One: Choose the right pot

When growing marigolds, we can use small pots of 10-12 centimeters in size, preferably with multiple drainage holes to ensure better drainage.

Two: Fertile, loose, well-ventilated, and well-draining slightly acidic soil is more suitable for marigold growth

Marigolds thrive in fertile, loose, well-ventilated, and well-draining slightly acidic soil. This type of soil promotes branching and large blooms. For potting, a mixture of leaf mold, garden soil, and coarse sand can be used.

How long does it take for marigolds to bloom after planting

Three: When transplanting marigolds into pots, you can add a base fertilizer

Water the marigold seedlings thoroughly before transplanting them in the evening, which makes it easier to transplant with soil balls. Place a piece of window screen over the drainage holes of the pot, then add decomposed manure. Fill the pot with a mixed soil to about half its capacity, place the marigold with the soil ball in the center, then fill the surrounding area with soil. After the soil is filled, gently press it down and water thoroughly, then place the pot in a shaded area to allow the seedlings to recover for 7-10 days before they can be normally maintained.

Light management, marigolds are 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 can affect their blooming.

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, with a growth temperature range of 7-20 degrees Celsius. High temperatures are not conducive to their growth, so in the summer, we can reduce the temperature by ventilating and spraying water to help the marigolds grow better.

Watering management, drought-tolerant but not tolerant to humidity

During the growing period, marigolds should not be watered too much. It's generally enough to keep the soil moist. During the rainy season, we can place marigolds in a sheltered area to prevent waterlogging in the pot, which can lead to root rot and death.

Fertilizing management, fertilizing can also be done during the blooming period

Marigolds enjoy fertilizer. During the growing period, they require ample water and fertilizer. Generally, we can fertilize every 15 days using a mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When marigolds are in full bloom, we can spray diluted potassium dihydrogen phosphate and urea water-soluble fertilizer after 6 p.m., which will make the flowers even more vibrant. Additionally, eggshells left over from eating eggs can also be placed in the pot to provide additional nutrients for the marigolds.