did you know?

Marigolds are native to Mexico and Central America but are popular around the world. The African types are characterized by taller plants and larger blooms, the French types by their smaller, more compact habit, and the signet type, Tagetes tenuifolia, by its delicate ferny foliage and its smaller 1/2 inch flowers.

general maintenance:

Pinch off growing tips to encourage lateral branching and bushy plants. To prolong the flowering period, deadhead spent blooms. Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

pests/diseases:

Powdery mildew and leaf spot may occur.

controls:

To discourage powdery mildew and leaf spot, space plants for adequate air circulation and avoid wetting leaves when watering. Pick off diseased leaves where practical, and remove and destroy severely infected plants.

how to sow/plant:

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost or direct sow 1/8 inch deep 1-2 weeks after the last frost. Amend soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Thin young plants to 15-18 inches apart.

water and fertilize:

Maintain soil moisture all season. Feed biweekly with a balanced liquid fertilizer, following label directions.

garden hint:

Marigold flowers are edible -- do not use chemical sprays if you intend to eat them.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Deer Resistant

garden uses:

• Flowerbed borders

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible (flowers)
• Cut Flower

combine with:

heliotrope and verbena in formal beds. Marigolds may also be used as barrier plantings around vegetable gardens because many produce natural chemicals that deter both pests, such as nematodes and slugs, and weeds.