Reader's Digest Quintessential Guide to Gardening by Editors at Reader's Digest

Author:Editors at Reader's Digest
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Readers Digest

MARIGOLDS

Marigolds are one of the most carefree annuals, performing well from seed or transplants in a warm, sunny spot and any well-drained soil. The compact signet marigold and the mid-size French types are suited to bed edgings and containers. The taller African marigolds are best for the back of the border or for a cutting garden. When planting different solid-color marigolds, mix in a few with bicolored blooms to tie the scheme together.

Start seed indoors no more than four weeks before you want to set plants out. Otherwise the seedlings may become leggy. Sow seed directly outdoors once the soil has warmed to near 70°F. Sow in shallow trenches and cover with 1/2 inch of soil. Keep moist; seedlings should sprout in about two weeks. Water marigolds often until they are well established, then water only weekly if rainfall is inadequate.

Start pinching out blooms when they first appear to promote budding and a bushy shape. Deadhead and keep pinching until frost to keep marigolds flowering heavily.

With their large pom-pom blooms, African varieties can tip over from their own weight. Instead of staking each plant, try deep planting. Strip the leaves from the bottom 3 to 4 inches of the stem, dig a deep hole, and set in the plant with the stripped portion below the soil line.

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