What Not to Plant With Marigolds: Gardening Tips

Starting Marigolds: From Seed to Seedling

Marigolds are a popular choice for gardeners, thanks to their vibrant colors and cheerful blossoms. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you can easily start marigolds from seeds or buy seedlings from nurseries and stores. To ensure success when starting marigolds from seed, follow these simple steps:

• Prepare the soil: Begin by removing any existing weeds or debris and loosen the soil using a garden fork or tiller. Marigolds prefer well-drained soil, so adding compost or organic matter can improve fertility and drainage.
• Sow the seeds: Plant the marigold seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil, spacing them a few inches apart.
• Watering and germination: Gently water the seeds and keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs. Germination typically takes around 7 to 14 days.
• Thinning: Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out to allow ample space for growth.
• Transplanting: When the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, transplant them into their final location. By providing proper care, the marigold seedlings will grow into healthy plants that will enhance your garden.

Remember to provide the necessary attention and care to your marigolds, and they will reward you with a beautiful display of vibrant blooms.

Growing and Caring for Marigolds

Marigolds are known for their low-maintenance nature, making them an excellent choice for gardeners who want a beautiful display without excessive effort. These hardy plants thrive with regular watering and can withstand different soil types and weather conditions. However, it’s essential to know how to care for marigolds properly.

• Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells, for optimum growth.
• Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage and prevent diseases.
• Applying mulch around marigold plants helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
• Monitor the moisture levels and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Deadheading, the process of removing faded flowers, encourages the plants to produce more blooms. Regular deadheading promotes a longer blooming season and prevents the marigolds from going to seed prematurely. Additionally, removing any yellow or diseased leaves helps maintain plant health and prevents the spread of infections.

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Harvesting Edible Petals from Marigolds

Certain types of marigold produce edible petals with a flavor similar to saffron. These petals can be a delightful addition to salads, teas, and various culinary creations. To harvest the petals:

• Wait until the marigold flowers have fully bloomed.
• Using scissors or pruners, snip off the heads of the marigold blooms and remove any leaves.

Allow the flower heads to dry in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. Once dried, gently separate the petals from the central disc. Store the petals in an airtight container away from light and moisture to maintain their flavor and quality. The edible marigold petals can add a splash of color and a subtle, unique taste to your dishes.

Companion Plants for Marigolds

Marigolds are not only beautiful but also beneficial in the garden. They act as natural companions to many other plants, aiding in pest control and overall plant health. Some companion plants that thrive alongside marigolds include basil, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, gourds, kale, potatoes, squash, tomatoes, and melons.

The scent of marigolds deters a variety of pests, including beetles, beet leaf hoppers, Mexican bean beetles, nematodes, asparagus beetles, tomato worms, and even rabbits. Planting marigolds among these crops can help reduce pest damage and protect your harvest naturally. However, it’s important to note that new hybrid marigold varieties may not have the same pest-controlling scent as their predecessors.

Beware of Bad Companions: Marigolds and Beans/Cabbage

While marigolds have numerous benefits, it is important to consider their compatibility with other plants for a successful garden. Marigolds are bad companions for beans and cabbage.

• Beans and marigolds require similar growing conditions, such as well-drained soil and full sun. However, planting them together can result in stunting or hindered growth for both plants.
• Similarly, marigolds can inhibit the growth of cabbage and some herbs due to the production of certain chemicals.

When planning your garden, it is essential to understand which plants complement each other and which ones should be kept apart. Prioritize research and proper planning to create a harmonious and productive garden space.

Remember:

“Marigolds are versatile and beautiful plants that can enhance any garden. They are easy to start from seeds or seedlings, require minimal care, and even offer edible petals. When choosing companion plants, consider the benefits of marigolds in repelling pests and promoting growth. However, take caution when planting them alongside beans and cabbage.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are marigolds poisonous to other plants?

Recent research suggests that marigolds possess allelopathic properties, indicating that their root exudates, such as alpha-terthienyl, terpenes, and thiophenes, can have detrimental effects on other plants. These substances produced by marigold roots have been found to be harmful to various plant species. Consequently, it is important to consider the potential toxicity of marigolds when considering their placement in a garden or near other plants.

How many marigolds can you plant together?

The number of marigolds that can be planted together depends on the type and the available space. For African marigolds in planting beds, it is recommended to space them 10 to 12 inches apart, while French marigolds should be spaced 8 to 10 inches apart. This allows enough room for these vibrant flowers to grow and spread their beautiful blooms. If you’re planting marigolds in containers, it is best to use a pot that is at least 10 inches across for African marigolds and larger French marigold varieties. Providing adequate spacing ensures proper growth and allows each marigold plant to flourish individually while creating a visually appealing arrangement.

Are marigolds good for all vegetables?

While marigolds are commonly praised for their effectiveness in protecting tomatoes, squashes, and cabbage from pesky insects, their benefits may extend beyond these vegetables. Since marigolds possess natural insect-repellent properties, they can potentially benefit a range of other vegetables by warding off common pests. Furthermore, marigolds have the added advantage of attracting ladybugs, which are known to be beneficial insects as they devour destructive aphids and other harmful bugs. Thus, incorporating marigolds into a vegetable garden can potentially provide protection and encourage the presence of these helpful insects to benefit a wider variety of vegetables.

Do marigolds like pots or ground?

Marigolds are versatile and adaptable plants that can thrive in both pots and the ground. Smaller marigolds are ideal for pots, making them excellent choices for edging plants in borders or container gardening. They are well-suited for pots because their compact size allows them to flourish in a confined space. On the other hand, taller or larger-flowered marigolds can be successfully grown both in large pots and directly in the ground. This flexibility provides gardeners with alternatives for incorporating marigolds into their landscaping design, depending on their preferences and available space.

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