The mighty marigold is well-known, with its vividly striking flowers that come in yellow, orange, cream as well as bi-coloured varieties. They look great when mass planted in the garden, in pots, grown as a boarder or even planted in the veggie garden to help deter pests.
Planting Calendar
Marigolds are best planted when the weather is warm, from spring through to autumn.
Prepare
Position
Marigolds love the sun, the more the better.
Soil
When planted into the ground Marigolds like a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets, then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. When planting into containers, plant in Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially during the hotter months. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Protect from slugs and snails with Quash.
Spraying
Caterpillars can be a issue, be vigilant and spray with Bugtrol at first sign of attack.
Pruning
Deadhead old flowers to encourage new ones to form.
Expert Tip
Marigolds are a great companion plant and is said to deter various insect pests from the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water marigolds?
Watering is essential especially during the hotter months. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water.
When is the best time to plant marigolds?
Best time to plant marigolds is from late spring to early summer, after the last frost has passed, to ensure they have warm growing conditions.
Do marigolds repel pests?
Marigolds are known to repel certain pests like nematodes, aphids, and mosquitoes, making them a great companion plant in gardens.
What type of soil do marigolds prefer?
When planted into the ground Marigolds like a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
How tall do marigolds grow?
Depending on the variety, marigolds can grow between 15 cm to 90 cm tall. Dwarf varieties are shorter, while African marigolds can be taller.
