What is the difference between marigolds and French marigolds?
French marigolds are smaller than 12 inches, the flowers are smaller, and have more color variations like bicolor and tricolor. African Marigolds are around 36 inches tall, have larger flowers, and typically only come in solid color varieties. In planting beds, space African marigolds 10 to 12 inches apart, while French marigolds should be 8 to 10 inches apart. If you’re planting marigolds into containers, use a pot that’s at least 10 inches across for African and larger French types.French marigolds are smaller than 12 inches, the flowers are smaller, and have more color variations like bicolor and tricolor. African Marigolds are around 36 inches tall, have larger flowers, and typically only come in solid color varieties.For best results, thin or transplant young marigolds while they are still small, spacing French and Signet types 8 to 10 inches apart. Larger American varieties should be at least 10 to 12 inches apart. Marigolds grown in containers can become a bit crowded.In general, marigolds require 50 to 80 days from seed to flower, with French marigolds taking about 50 to 60 days and Mexican marigolds taking about 70 to 100 days.
Do French marigolds spread?
Do French marigolds spread? These quick-growing plants are self-seeding, so they’ll spread seeds in your garden. To keep them from spreading, deadhead blooms before they start to go to seed. Do marigolds spread? Marigolds are rapidly growing plants and most varieties are self-seeding, which means they will drop seeds and spread throughout your yard or garden. Limit the ability to self-seed by deadheading before blooms go to seed.If you already have marigolds growing in your garden, one of the most important tasks to keep marigolds blooming is deadheading. Deadheading involves removing spent blooms to encourage the plant’s energy to go toward producing new flowers instead of developing a seed head.The best time to plant marigolds in the garden is during the last weeks of August or first few weeks of September. Even though they are often thought of as spring through summer flowers, they really perform much better from late summer up until frost.The ideal soil pH for marigolds is between 6 and 7. A general-purpose fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be incorporated into the soil at the time of planting. After planting, marigolds do not require fertilizer as they are low feeders.
What are French marigolds good for?
French marigolds repel disease and injurious insects while attracting pollinators. They are the perfect companion plants for most vegetables in home gardens. Easy to grow and low maintenance, French marigolds are excellent for beds, containers, or as edging plants. Performs best in full sun in moderately fertile, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Some light afternoon shade is tolerated in hot summer areas. Adaptable to poor soils, heat, humidity, and especially drought.Growing marigolds in pots is an excellent option for those with limited space or for those who want the flexibility to rearrange their floral displays.Sow marigolds in late spring, or set them out as bedding plants. In climates with long, hot summers, make a second planting in summer for great autumn color. Broadcast seed into cultivated soil so that the seeds are about 2 inches (5 cm) apart and one-half inch (1 cm) deep.
Can French marigolds survive winter?
Marigolds can be annual or perennial, but in the UK they don’t survive frost, so are grown as half-hardy annuals. Typically, no. Marigolds are annuals, which means they die back each year. Since they like warm weather, they likely won’t self-sow unless you’re in a warmer growing zone – most of Mexico, where marigolds are native, are in USDA growing zones 9 and above. However, you can save seeds from the plants to sow next spring.Marigolds thrive in full sunshine and can often withstand very hot summers. African and signet marigolds are drought tolerant, while French varieties are more tolerant of wet conditions. If planted in shade and cool, moist areas, they are prone to powdery mildew and won’t bloom well.Marigolds need full sun to encourage plenty of flowers and do best in a reasonably fertile, but well-drained soil. In borders, improve poor soil with well-rotted compost or soil conditioner in advance of planting. Use peat-free, multi-purpose potting compost for pots.Yes, you can scatter marigold seeds directly onto well-prepared soil (loosen and remove rocks and other debris). After scattering, lightly press them into the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil or compost. Keep the area moist until the seeds germinate, and thin out the seedlings as they grow.Though drought-tolerant, marigolds bloom better with weekly watering that allows the soil to dry almost completely in between. Water at soil level to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Add mulch to retain moisture and deter weeds.
Do French marigolds come back every year?
Marigolds are typically grown as annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one season and do not come back each year. However, in warm climates, such as USDA zones 9-11, they may reseed and return the following year. Most gardeners replant them annually. Sprouting: Marigolds sprout within a week in warm weather and plants typically produce blooms in about 8 weeks. Fertilizing: Marigolds in containers will benefit from a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. This will help them maintain vigorous growth and prolific blooming.However, the overall lifespan of the marigold plant can range from 3 to 4 months, depending on environmental conditions and care. Once they begin flowering, new buds continue to emerge, extending the blooming period throughout the growing season.Full Sun: Marigolds need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. While they can tolerate light afternoon shade in hot summer areas, especially to prolong blooms, they perform best in sunny spots. In cooler climates, full sun will maximize their growth and bloom potential.Marigolds are easily propagated from seeds. At the end of the season, you can save seeds from open-pollinated cultivars. However, avoid saving seeds from hybrids, as their offspring may not resemble the parent plants.Marigolds are typically grown as annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one season and do not come back each year. However, in warm climates, such as USDA zones 9-11, they may reseed and return the following year. Most gardeners replant them annually.
What not to plant with French marigolds?
It’s important to point out, however, that not all plants work as marigold companion plants. For example, some gardeners swear that marigolds stunt the growth of pole beans. I’ve also heard that marigolds and cabbage don’t get along so well. One plant that I was shocked that beans don’t get along with are marigolds, which are typically crowd pleasers as they deter pests. In fact, all the plants that the bean family shuns are those that deter pests.It’s important to point out, however, that not all plants work as marigold companion plants. For example, some gardeners swear that marigolds stunt the growth of pole beans. I’ve also heard that marigolds and cabbage don’t get along so well.Water seeds and seedlings well when planting, and keep the soil moderately moist until roots establish. Though drought-tolerant, marigolds bloom better with weekly watering that allows the soil to dry almost completely in between. Water at soil level to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.Marigolds will almost always look leggy until they throw their first set of true leaves unless you have a pretty intense light. Put a fan on them to make them move slightly to stiffen them up. This will help them support their first set of leaves, and they should be ok from there.
What is the myth behind the marigold flower?
While many people assume these flowers symbolize death, their meaning goes beyond symbolizing the end of life. People believe that the marigold’s bright colors symbolize the sun, and when the flowers are placed near the dead, they solidify the connection between life and death. Also common reason for marigolds to grow tall without blooming is insufficient sunlight or an excess of nitrogen in the soil. Marigolds need at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day to bloom. Too much nitrogen, often from over-fertilizing, can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.Deadheading marigolds is not something that is only carried out for aesthetic reasons. The main reason to deadhead marigolds is to ensure that new blooms continue to be produced. If you do not deadhead, then the plants will focus on producing seed and the overall flowering period of the plant will be reduced.