- How often does it have to be watered?
- How is fertilized?
- Does the marigold have to be cut?
- What happens in winter?
- What diseases and pests are there?
The marigold, which belongs to the daisy family, is one of the most popular flowering plants in the garden. No wonder, because with the right care it proves to be an extremely grateful garden beauty that blooms happily.
The marigolds are happy about regular watering
How often does it have to be watered?
Although the marigold does well in its natural home with longer periods of drought, you should not let the plant thirst unnecessarily on hot days. Water whenever the top inches of soil feel dry. This can even be necessary twice a day on hot summer days.
If you have cultivated the marigolds in tubs on the balcony, the pretty marigold needs significantly more water than in the bed. You should therefore also check on rainy days whether additional watering is required.
How is fertilized?
Tagetes are quite undemanding. Over-fertilization is quickly reflected in a lack of flowering. Instead, the marigold shoots up and forms abundant foliage. Marigolds used in planters should therefore not be fertilized at all, as the substrate contains enough nutrients for a whole garden year. In the bed, you can also supply the marigold with organic fertilizer once or twice a season.
Does the marigold have to be cut?
A strong pruning is not necessary. Since each marigold flower lasts about three weeks, you only have to cut off everything that has faded at weekly intervals.
What happens in winter?
Since the marigold is not hardy, it quickly dies in sub-zero temperatures. If you would like to continue cultivating a particularly beautiful specimen, you should therefore transplant it into a pot in good time and bring it into the house. A space-consuming hibernation of the marigolds is not necessary, since the little beauties can easily be grown from seeds you have won yourself.
What diseases and pests are there?
Marigold is surprisingly resilient. However, flowers and leaves are a special treat for many snails. If you use the marigolds as an ornamental plant, you should protect the marigolds from the voracious animals with a snail fence.
tips
Some varieties of marigold, such as marigolds tenuifolia and marigolds filifolia, have edible flowers that taste very aromatic.