Their colorful flower heads boast a phenomenal long-distance effect. In borders, as a bed or grave border, in tubs and balcony boxes, the marigold is in high demand from June to the first frost without requiring extensive care. The following answers to frequently asked questions reveal how to cultivate the tireless marigolds properly.

Easy-care splashes of color for the balcony and garden: the marigold

Plant marigolds properly

Plant the marigold you have grown yourself or bought in a garden center in a sunny spot from mid-May. To do this, thoroughly rake the fresh, nutrient-rich soil to dig small pits 25-30 cm apart. Shovel the soil into a bucket or wheelbarrow to mix in compost and horn shavings (€32.93). Now pot the marigolds and place a plant in each hole. Fill in the planting hole with the enriched substrate up to just below the first pair of leaves. After watering with room temperature water, mulch with leaves or grass clippings.
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care tips

The marigold owes its name not least to the fact that it can be cared for without many years of experience. We have compiled all the important aspects for you here:

  • Consistent weeding from day one
  • Always water the marigolds when the substrate has dried
  • Regular fertilization is not required in the bed; a portion of compost from time to time is beneficial
  • Fertilize marigolds in pots and balcony boxes every 3-4 weeks from June to October
  • Cut off wilted flower heads in a timely manner to make room for a second bloom

If you leave a few flowers in the bed from August/September, the annual plant will take over the self-sowing without any further action. It is important to note that direct skin contact with the plant sap has a phototoxic effect and can trigger an allergic reaction. Therefore, always wear gloves for all work involving the marigold.
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Which location is suitable?

The marigold thrives in any normal garden soil in a sunny to partially shaded location. In the best case, the marigold finds a well-drained, humus-rich and not too heavy soil. For locations exposed to rain and wind, there are robust varieties available that bravely withstand the inclemency of the weather.
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The right planting distance

The selected variety determines the respective planting distance. The dwarf varieties Tagetes nana grow to a maximum height of 20 cm, so a distance of 15-20 cm is a good choice. The vast majority of marigolds grow to 30-40cm tall, suggesting an ideal planting distance of 25-30cm. Only the mighty Tagetes erecta, which reach a height of 120 cm, are placed at a distance of 80-100 cm.

What soil does the plant need?

Marigold is not picky about soil conditions. As long as it can get enough sunlight, it will thrive in any normal garden soil. Tagetes achieve their optimum in fresh, moist, humus-rich and nutrient-rich soil. For cultivation in pots and balcony boxes, we recommend commercial potting soil based on compost with a low peat content. A handful of sand or expanded clay (€19.73) improves permeability and prevents waterlogging.

What is the best planting time?

The South American immigrant cannot cope with cold or even frosty temperatures. Therefore, plant your preferred marigold in the bed from mid-May at the earliest. For direct sowing, on the other hand, the time window opens as early as the end of April, provided that no delayed ground frosts are announced at this time.
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When is flowering time?

With the first warm days from mid-May, the marigold begins a flowering period that lasts until the first frost. Clean faded blossoms regularly to support an uninterrupted, picturesque bloom. At the same time, you spare the hard-working marigolds the exhausting growth of seed heads.
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Cut marigolds properly

Continuously trim wilted flower heads to encourage a lush, long-lasting bloom. At the same time, the exhausting seed growth is stopped in the middle of the season. Only from August/September do you leave the flowers of a marigold in the bed. You can either harvest the seeds for sowing behind glass or let the marigolds do the propagation on their own. After the first frost, the flowers inevitably freeze off, so the plant residue can be raked in in the spring.

watering marigolds

The marigold feels comfortable in a slightly moist soil that dries up in the meantime. Water the marigold whenever the thumb test indicates a dried substrate. On hot summer days, this can be necessary every day, especially in the bucket or flower box (€16.99). Do not water marigolds in direct sunlight, but rather in the morning or evening hours. Under sunlight, every single drop of water on flowers and leaves turns into a magnifying glass, causing significant damage to plant tissue.

Fertilize marigolds properly

In the bed, the marigold does not require a regular supply of nutrients. If you are out in the garden with a wheelbarrow full of ripe compost anyway, the plant will gratefully accept a portion. Work in the organic material on the surface and pour it over. If marigolds thrive in pots and window boxes, fertilize every 3-4 weeks from June to October with a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants.

pests

Unfortunately, the marigold exerts a magical attraction on snails. Clever hobby gardeners therefore use the plant as a natural protective shield for their vegetable beds by planting marigolds as a border. In this way, the approaching snail company is distracted by lettuce, strawberries, tomatoes and other crops. If you want to keep the marigold as an ornament, we recommend taking protective measures against the voracious pests. A snail fence keeps snails out, as do moving barriers made of grit or thick wood shavings. Sprinkle coffee grounds regularly, because the caffeine has a toxic effect on the beasts. If you decide to use slug pellets when there is a high risk of infestation, we recommend using gap traps so that the harmless snails do not fall victim to the poison.

hibernate

Native to the tropical, warm regions of South America, the marigold is not frost-resistant. At temperatures below - 5 degrees Celsius, the flower freezes. Although a few species and varieties thrive for several years, the effort of overwintering is not worth it. If you dare to experiment, carry marigolds in a pot or window box to a bright, frost-free winter quarters in good time. At temperatures of 15 to 18 degrees Celsius, water only a little and do not administer any fertilizer.
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increase marigolds

So that you don't miss the radiance of marigolds next year, we recommend uncomplicated propagation by sowing. To do this, collect completely withered flowers on a dry day in autumn. Spread the harvest on paper towels in an airy, dry place for a few days. Then fill the dried flower heads with the seeds they contain in a jar with a lid or a bag and shake vigorously. Now sift the seeds through a colander onto a plate. Keep the seeds in an airtight, dark screw-top jar in a cool basement until next spring. How to sow:

  • In March, fill a seed tray with seed soil or peat sand and moisten
  • Scatter the seeds, press lightly, do not sieve over or sieve up to a maximum of 5 mm
  • Keep slightly damp at 15-18 degrees Celsius in a breezy, bright window seat
  • Prick out the seedlings into individual pots about 14 days after emergence
  • Continue cultivating until mid-May in a warm, partially shaded location

Alternatively, sow the seeds directly into the bed as soon as there are no more ground frosts to be expected from the end of April. Prepare a finely crumbly seedbed with shallow grooves 20-30 cm apart. A close-meshed net fends off hungry garden dwellers and voracious pests. Keep the soil slightly moist to separate the strongest seedlings 25-30 cm apart 2 weeks after emergence.
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Marigolds in the pot

In the pot and window box, you save the marigold the stressful pricking and repotting if you sow directly on the potting soil. A water-bearing layer of potsherds or grit on the floor effectively prevents waterlogging. From the end of April, scatter the fine seeds on the substrate, press them down lightly and moisten them with a fine shower. Water regularly without completely soaking the soil in a bright location that is not in full sun. Depending on the variety, separate the seedlings 10-15 cm apart. If the marigolds with 4-6 leaves are pruned once, they branch out particularly bushy. Always water the marigolds when the substrate has dried. From June until the end of the flowering period, apply a liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Cut off the wilted flower heads every few days, lure out the next blooms.

Is marigold poisonous?

Marigold contains thiophene, an organic compound that is phototoxic. Skin contact with the sap under light can trigger dermatitis, a highly uncomfortable skin condition. Therefore, wear gloves for all planting and care work. In addition, there is no health risk from marigolds, so there is nothing to be said against growing them in the family garden.
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Beautiful varieties

  • Goldzwerg: Popular marigold with conspicuous yellow flower heads; 15-30cm
  • Cresto Orange: The variety impresses with double flowers in bright orange and extra early flowering from May; 15-30cm
  • Mr. Magjestic: Noble variety that draws attention to itself with yellow-brown striped flowers; rainproof and durable; 25-30cm
  • Fiesta: Gorgeous mahogany flower bulbs for borders, borders and flower boxes
  • Treasure: A majestic tagetes erecta whose lemon-yellow flowers reach up to 120 cm high towards the sky
  • Sperling's Eskimo: The stable, vigorous marigold impresses with cream-colored flowers; 50 cm
  • Queen Bee: Compact Tagetes nana with full flowers in yellow and reddish brown; 15-25cm
  • Honeycomb: A resilient marigold whose honey-yellow flowers form dense cushions; 25 cm

Category:

Vegetable garden