Whether you are beginning your gardening journey or are simply looking for flowers that require little maintenance, marigolds have been described as a “no-fuss” flower that will flower from late spring right through to Autumn. These golden, sometimes verging on orange, blooms make a colourful addition to your flower beds and are great for those unleashing their green thumb for the first time.
“Marigolds are a favourite, no-fuss annual that can bring the colour of sunshine to your garden, as well as butterflies, bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects,” explained experts from Garden Design.
Seeds can be planted out now and tend to germinate quickly, often within a few days. Marigolds then typically flower within eight weeks. “This quick sense of satisfaction makes them a great first-time gardening project for kids and garden newbies,” explained the experts.
To sow your marigold seeds, begin by filling a pot with peat-free compost and fill until two inches deep. Then, spread the seeds evenly over the compost making sure they aren’t too close together.
Cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost before firming down and watering. At this point, you can place your small pots into a bag or propagator on a warm windowsill to germinate. If planting during consistent warm weather your seeds may germinate in a greenhouse. You may also sow your seeds directly outside.
Most marigolds like to be planted in an area with full sun but they will be okay with a little bit of shade. In the hot summer months, some afternoon shade can be helpful. It is also a good idea to protect your flowers form any strong winds.
When transplanting marigolds grown inside or purchased at a nursery, dig and loosen the soil around six inches down to place the root. Backfill with soil and ensure your plant is thoroughly in place.
Add one to two inches of mulch between plants to discourage weeds. Make sure to water throughly.
Marigolds are fairly low-maintenance flowers. You should avoid overwatering but do make sure to water them in high heat or dry weather. Marigolds growing in containers tend to dry out quicker.
Marigolds do well in almost any type of soil but do best in soil which has decent drainage. Deadheading your plant will improve its appearance and encourage further flowers to bloom.
