Marigold - Tagetes

Marigold -Tagetes erecta, are annual summer plants. Although there are some 50 species, some marigolds we know come from just three:

• Tagetes erecta are the tallest, at three to five feet. They are sometimes known as African, or American, marigolds.
• Bushy T. patula, or French marigolds, are somewhat smaller and more compact. Elegant and eye-catching, they have relatively demure flowers and usually grow from 6 inches to 2 feet tall.
• The dainty T. tenuifolia are the signet, or rock-garden, marigolds that like hot, dry sites and make a wonderful edging. Their flowers are edible.

Tagetes erecta species vary in size from 0.01 to 2.2 m tall. Most species have pinnate green leaves. Blooms are naturally in golden, orange, yellow, and white colors, often with maroon highlights. Floral heads are typically (0.1-) to 4–6 cm diameter, generally with both ray florets and disc florets. In horticulture they tend to be planted as annuals, although the perennial species are gaining popularity.

Depending on the species, Tagetes grow well in almost any sort of soil. Most horticultural selections grow best in soil with good drainage.

Marigolds need lots of sunshine. Though they grow in almost any soil, marigolds thrive in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. I can be sown directly into the garden once the soil is warm, or in pots till they germinate Germination from large, easily handled seeds is rapid.

1. Plant marigolds in full sun and well-drained soil.
2. Keep the soil moist but don't water excessively. 
3. Fertilize marigold plants when the seedlings are planted Give each plant about 1 tsp. of a time-release granular fertilizer. No additional fertilizer is required, as marigolds are light feeders  
4. remove dry marigold blooms.  
5. Stake tall varieties of marigold to protect them against wind breakage.

Caring for beautiful marigold flowers is relatively easy, as these annuals tend to be low-maintenance. However they may call for a bit of extra assistance if they suffer damage caused by harsh weather and/or the common garden slug.

pluck dry marigold flowers

Remove the seeds (the inner part of the flower)

spread them in a small recipient

after 2-3 the seeds will sprout

Transplant the plant one by one in firm land

Use eggs to prevent garden slugs from eating those plants

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Marigold - Tagetes erecta

The Tagetes erecta is also known as the African marigold or Aztec marigold.

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