Marigolds are a low maintenance flower, but they still require some know-how for planting. The first step in cultivating these flowers is to wait until there is no danger of frost and the soil is warm and dry for planting.
For most French and signet varieties, this means waiting until midsummer to plant them. Tall varieties are best planted in the spring since they take longer to mature. Here are easy steps for planting your marigolds:
1.Wait for a shady or overcast day to plant your flowers. This will protect the seedlings as they cope with transplantation.
2.Dig only one inch deep and at least 6 inches apart. You can keep them 1 inch apart when they are still seedlings, but you’ll need to thin them as they grow.
3.Mix in granular fertilizer and moisten the soil.
If planting transplants:
1.Dig down about 6 inches to loosen and aerate the soil. Remove any stones or debris.
2.Place your plant in a hole about the size of a football. Add firm soil over the roots to give it support.
3.Water each plant thoroughly.
Where to plant marigolds: These flowers must be planted in a spot that receives full sunlight. Don’t worry, they can withstand harsh summer temperatures! Be advised that if your flowers are planted in a shaded area or a cooler spot, they may form powdery mildew and won’t fully bloom.
If you’re planting seedlings, you can do so in containers with a soilless potting medium. During planting time, you can mix in a slow-acting granular fertilizer or plan to dilute liquid fertilizer over time. Though you can sow your seeds indoors, they germinate easily outdoors. You can sow them directly into the soil once the weather is warm and they’ll bloom in about 8 weeks.