Marigolds are well-known for the riot of colour they produce for around six months of the year. They are available in a wide range of colours from yellows, limes and creams to just about every shade thinkable of orange and bronze. Marigolds are a reliable companion plant as they help keep away aphids.
3 steps to planting marigoldS
prepare
With Marigolds plant in full sun in free-draining, fertile soils. Marigolds are happy in pots, baskets, window boxes or containers provided they are placed in full sun. Plants readily germinate from seed and can be sown in situ or in trays and then transplanted at a later date. Marigolds are hardy to hot and cold temperatures.
Plant marigolds close to crops that suffer from aphids and greenfly. Marigolds emit a scent that repels aphids and attracts hoverflies, which are a predator of aphids.
Numerous blends and types are available in seed packets and as seedlings, some favourite varieties to look out for are Crackerjack, Durango series, Eskimo, French Vanilla, Jolly Jester and Zentih.
Shop Tui Marigold Seeds - Petite Mix, a dwarf French variety in a mix of colours.
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Flower Mix.
PLANT
The best times to plant are early in the morning, or late in the day so the plants aren't exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Directions for planting in garden beds
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Flower Mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Directions for potting plants
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Half fill your container with Tui Flower Mix.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead plant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Flower Mix up to 3cm from the top.
- Gently firm mix around the base of the plant. The mix should be at the same level on the plant as it was in the previous container.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
nourish
Feed your plants and they will reward you. Replenishing the nutrients used by your plants ensures your plants grow to their full potential. Feed your Marigolds with Tui NovaTec® Premium Fertiliser in spring and autumn.
A well-watered, well-nourished garden will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay. While your Marigolds are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost.
Regular deadheading will prolong flowering.
Keep well-watered initially to enable plants to bed themselves in, once established they will cope with dry periods, although overly dry periods will limit flowering.
To prevent plants from seeding, remove spent flower heads.