These aromatic flowers brighten gardens from early summer until frost.
While bountiful, these marigolds are not aggressive or invasive.
Be aware that the flowers and sap of African marigold are mildly toxic to humans.
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To welcomeTagetes erectato your garden, purchase plants in spring or grow them from seed.
First, remove any weeds and grass from the site.
Till the soil to about six inches deep.
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Space plants 12 to 16 inches apart or plant in a large container.
Light
These annuals will tolerate partial shade but perform their best infull sun.
Shady conditions can make the plants very leggy and more prone to toppling over.
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For best results, new plants require well-draining and fertile soil.
In poor soils, addcompostor other organic, nutrient-rich materials at planting time.Maintain a soil pHof 6.0 to 7.5.
African marigolds dislike very acidic soil, and anything below 5.8 is likely to cause poor performance.
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Water
Water your African marigolds regularlythe standard one inch per week guideline works well for these plants.
It’s fine for soil to dry out completely between watering.
African marigolds tolerate dry conditions much better than French marigolds.
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Cool, damp conditions can encourage fungal diseases and root rot.
For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
A formulation relatively low in nitrogen, such as 5-10-5, is best.
Dozens of named cultivars are currently on the market with more introduced each year.
Tagetes patulaand its many cultivars are commonly known as theFrench marigolds.
They are generally shorter than African marigolds, with a spreading habit and smaller flowers.
Tagetes tenuifoli(known as signet marigolds) is another large group.
Deadheadplants regularly to encourage a longer period of flower growth and to prevent flopping.
When deadheading, it’s best to clip off the flower stalks down to the next set of leaves.
These are relatively fast-growing plants that will bloom in about two months when planted from seed.
Potting and Repotting African Marigold
Marigolds are easily grown in containers filled with standard commercial potting mix.
Repotting won’t be necessary because these annuals die at the end of the growing season.
Use insecticidal soap as needed.
Overwatering and wetting the foliage late in the day can lead to fungal infections.
African marigolds are susceptible to powdery mildew, botrytis, and various leaf spot and root rots.
Plants are best watered through ground-level soaking early in the day.
It also helps to plant them unusually deep to ensure a robust, strong root system.
It is beloved as a cut flower.
But marigolds do attract bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, all of which are quite welcome garden residents.
