Tagetes patula, the French marigold, is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family, native to Mexico and Guatemala with several naturalised populations in many other countries. It is widely cultivated as an easily grown bedding plant, with thousands of different cultivars in brilliant shades of yellow and orange.
French Marigold Care
Tagetes Patula
What is the plant
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Humidity
Normal
Lighting
Full Sun
Hardiness zone
3 - 11
Difficulty
Medium
Hibernation
Cold Period
Invasive
Weed
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Water newly transplanted marigolds well to establish their root systems. In the hot summer, you may need to water marigolds about twice a week. Let the soil surface dry to the touch between waterings. French marigolds are drought-tolerant and do not require a lot of water.
Pruning
Pruning dead flowers, or deadheading, the plants enables new blooms to emerge quickly for a larger display of color during most of the year. Mix varieties of French marigolds in different colors for a bright display. French marigolds are hardy and are not bothered by most diseases and insects except in dry conditions. You can water marigolds from above with a garden hose to wash most pests away.
Fertilizer
In application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting, followed by a liquid fertilizer treatment every three weeks, once the plants begin to flower, also improves petunia health and flowering.
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Soil
Though they grow in almost any soil, marigolds do best in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Prepare the soil by digging down about 6 inches to loosen it.
Temperature
If you are planting French marigold seeds indoors, they need a warm area. Seeds need a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees F. (21-23 C.) to germinate.
Container
If you're planting marigolds into containers, use a pot that's at least 10 inches across for African and larger French types. Dwarf French marigolds can grow in a 6-inch container or even a traditional strawberry jar with pockets. Immediately after planting marigold seedlings, water plants thoroughly.
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Additional
Toxicity. Marigold flowers and leaves are considered safe to eat by humans and are commonly used as culinary herbs. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, pot marigolds are also not considered toxic to puppies when ingested or touched. These plants are small, bushy annuals with flowers up to two inches across. They come in a myriad of colors, from yellow to orange to mahogany red. Heights range from 6 to 18 inches (15 to 46 cm.). These delightful flowers will bloom from early spring to frost.
Popularity
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