Marigolds are beautiful flowering plants that bring brightness and cheer to any garden or landscape. With their vibrant golden flowerheads, marigolds are known and loved by gardeners all around the world. They have been popular for centuries because of their stunning appearance and various uses.
Marigolds come in many different varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. Some varieties, like the African marigolds, have large, semi-double or double flowerheads that can reach up to 4 inches in diameter. These marigolds are prized for their majestic and striking red, orange, and yellow colors. They are a true marvel and are guaranteed to bring beauty to any garden.
On the other hand, there are also smaller marigold varieties, like the signet marigolds. These marigolds have delicate, fern-like foliage and dainty, petite flowerheads that are typically lemon or vanilla in color. Signet marigolds are loved for their compact size and their ability to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, making them a hero for pollinators.
Marigolds are not only known for their beauty but also for their multiple uses. They are often used in horticulture to control pests, as their strong scent repels many insect pests. Marigolds are also used in culinary pursuits, where their petals can be used to add flavor and color to various dishes. Additionally, marigolds have long been used in traditional medicine for their reported anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, marigolds are a wonderful choice to consider. With their wide variety of colors, sizes, and uses, there is a marigold for everyone. So why not bring some marigold joy into your garden today?
Marigolds
Marigolds are a popular choice for gardeners, thanks to their bright and vibrant colors. They are easy to grow, starting from seed or transplanting fully grown plants. Marigolds are a good plant for beginners, as they are low-maintenance and have few pest or disease issues.
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There are many different varieties of marigolds to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Some marigolds are tall and can reach up to 3 feet in height, while others are shorter and more compact, making them a perfect choice for bedding plants. One such variety is the French marigold, also called ‘tarragon’ marigold or ‘Lemmon’s marigold’. They have a beautiful lemon-yellow flowerhead and can grow up to 1 foot in height.
Another popular variety is the African marigold, which is known for its large, double-flowered blooms. The ‘Kilimanjaro’ marigold is a specific variety of African marigold that has white flowers, making it stand out among other marigold varieties. These marigolds can grow up to 4 feet tall and are a stunning addition to any garden.
Marigolds are not just a pretty flower – they also have some practical uses. For example, they can be used in cooking, particularly in French cuisine. The flower petals have a slight citrus flavor, similar to tarragon, which makes them a great addition to salads, soups, and other dishes. Marigolds also produce a strong scent that helps to repel insects, making them a natural pest deterrent.
When it comes to caring for marigolds, deadheading is an important task. Deadheading refers to the removal of spent flowers, which encourages the plant to produce more blooms. This will keep the marigold looking good and covered in flowers for a longer period of time. If you prefer less maintenance, there are also marigold varieties, such as the Signet marigold or ‘Lemon Gem’, that do not require deadheading.
Marigolds can be easily grown from seed, either indoors or outdoors. They are fast growers and will typically flower within 45-60 days of planting. Marigold seeds can be sown directly into the ground after the danger of frost has passed, or started indoors in pots. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
In conclusion, marigolds are a versatile and beautiful plant that can add a splash of color to any garden. Whether you choose the tall and showy african varieties or the more compact and dainty signet marigolds, you can’t go wrong with these golden beauties. So take a trip to your local garden center or seed source and discover the wide variety of marigolds available. Happy planting!
Good performers
When it comes to good performers in the marigold family, there are several varieties that stand out. These plants are known for their white, cream or delicate creamy variations and are frequently used in comprehensive marigold blends.
One such variety is the ‘Marietta’ marigold, which is valued for its sturdy flowers with creamy white forms. This variety is a good choice for both cut flower arrangements and garden beds.
Another good performer is the ‘Inca’ marigold, which is known for its double flowers that bloom in various shades of cream. This variety is easy to grow and will bring a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape.
The ‘Phyllis’ variety is also a good performer. This variety is named after Phyllis Van de Zande, one of the editors of The American Gardener magazine. Its blossoms have a delicate creamy white color and a delightful vanilla flavor, making it a popular choice for salads, teas, and other culinary uses.
One more good performer is the ‘Strawberry Cream’ marigold. This variety produces medium-sized flowers that have a creamy white color with strawberry-colored tips. These flowers have a long bloom time, typically lasting for about 7 to 8 weeks, and are a favorite among gardeners.
American Seed’s ‘Safari’ marigold is also a top performer. This variety reaches heights of about 25cm and produces large, double flowers that have a scarlet color. It is easy to grow and is valued for its heat tolerance and sturdy stems.
The ‘Tiger Eyes’ marigold is another good performer. This variety is a triploid, meaning it has three sets of chromosomes. It has unique, fringed petals in shades of cream and yellow, and its compact size makes it suitable for smaller garden spaces.
When it comes to good performers in the marigold family, these varieties are among the most valued. Their various forms and colors, combined with their easy growing and long blooming time, make them a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether you’re looking to add some flavor to your salads or simply want to bring some botanical beauty to your garden, these marigolds are an excellent choice.
Growing outdoors
Growing marigolds outdoors is a popular choice for many gardeners due to their wide variety of types and low-maintenance nature. Marigolds are frequently used as border plants, adding a splash of color and bringing a vibrant scent to the garden.
There are many types of marigolds to choose from when growing outdoors. The ‘Alumia Vanilla Cream’ variety reaches a height of 25cm and features cream-colored blooms. Another popular choice is the ‘Kilimanjaro White’ variety, which includes tall stems and white flowers.
Marigolds are easy to grow from seed and can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors and transplanted outdoors later. Sow the seeds in early spring and thin the seedlings to ensure each plant has enough space to thrive.
Marigolds are known for their ability to attract beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies and bees. They are also effective at deterring unwanted pests, such as aphids and whiteflies.
To care for marigolds growing outdoors, deadhead the spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. Marigolds prefer well-drained soil and should be watered regularly, especially during hot or dry periods.
Whether you’re planting marigolds in a flower bed or a container garden, they are sure to add a pop of color and a touch of beauty to your outdoor space. With their variety of sizes, colors, and fragrances, marigolds have something for everyone.
The following varieties of marigolds are commonly grown outdoors:
- ‘Fireball’ – This variety features semi-double, scarlet red flowers that bring a burst of heat to any garden.
- ‘Blonde Surprise’ – The ‘Blonde Surprise’ marigold is a double-flowered variety with stunning yellow blooms.
- ‘Mary’s Gold’ – With bright orange petals, ‘Mary’s Gold’ marigold is a classic choice for any garden.
- ‘Metamorph’ – This marigold variety starts off as a green bud and gradually transforms into a beautiful lemon yellow flower.
- ‘American Legion’ – The ‘American Legion’ marigold is a tall variety with cherry red flowers and green foliage.
With their vibrant colors, easy care, and versatility, marigolds are a fantastic choice for any outdoor garden.
Feeding and watering
In order to keep marigolds healthy and thriving, regular feeding and watering is essential. Marigolds should be watered frequently, as their shallow root systems can become dry quickly. It is best to water them deeply, allowing the soil to soak up the moisture. Avoid overhead watering, as this can lead to disease and rot.
When it comes to feeding marigolds, a balanced fertilizer is recommended. This will provide them with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and abundant blooms. Fertilize them every two to three weeks during the growing season, following the instructions on the fertilizer package for proper dilution and application.
Marigolds are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they do benefit from regular deadheading. This involves removing spent flowers, which encourages more blooms to develop. It also helps to prevent the marigold plant from going to seed, which can divert energy away from flower production.
In terms of pests and diseases, marigolds are generally resistant to most problems. However, they can attract aphids and other insects. If an infestation occurs, insecticidal soap or a homemade mixture of water and dish soap can be used to combat the pests.
Marigolds are known for attracting beneficial insects, particularly bees. Their bright and fragrant blooms are highly attractive to bees, which can help with pollination in the garden. This makes marigolds a great companion plant for other crops.
Overall, feeding and watering marigolds is relatively simple. By providing them with regular care and attention, marigolds will reward you with their stunning and vibrant blooms.
