Tips for Growing Marigolds

The bright and cheerful marigold is a staple in any garden, providing vibrant color and a pleasing scent. But if you’ve never grown marigolds before, it can be difficult to know where to start. To make sure your marigolds thrive, you’ll need to consider a few important factors when planting and caring for them.

Soil Preparation When growing marigolds, it’s important to consider the soil in which they’ll be planted. Marigolds need well-draining soil, so if you’re planting in a bed, make sure it’s not too compacted. If you’re planting in containers, use a potting mix specifically designed for potted plants.

Location When it comes to location, marigolds do best in sunny areas. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, so make sure to plant them in a place that will get plenty of sun.

Watering Marigolds need to be watered regularly, but it’s important not to over-water them. Stick your finger into the soil to check the moisture level; if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.

Fertilizing Marigolds grow best when fertilized every two to three weeks. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package for the best results.

Pest Control Though marigolds are generally pest-resistant, they can become infested with aphids, mites, and other insects. If you notice any signs of pests, treat the plants with a pesticide as soon as possible.

Deadheading To keep marigolds looking their best, it’s important to deadhead them regularly. This means removing dead or dying flowers, which will encourage new blooms to form.