Feeding Cape Marigolds How To Fertilize Cape Marigolds

What is the best fertilizer for marigolds?

Feed your garden marigolds a slow-release granular 11-40-6 fertilizer about seven to 10 days after you set them out in early spring. Feed returning perennial marigolds in early spring after the last frost for your region and before new growth emerges. Use about one teaspoon per plant.

Do marigolds need fertilizer?

Do not fertilize marigolds during growth. A diet that's too nitrogen-rich stimulates lush foliage at the expense of flowers. The dense, double flowerheads of the African marigolds tend to rot in wet weather. Add a layer of mulch between plants to suppress weeds and keep soil moist, especially when plants are young.

How do you take care of outdoor marigolds?

How to care for marigolds

Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly.
Water marigolds at the base of the plant.
Avoid a profusion of foliage and fewer flowers by not fertilizing soil after sowing seeds.
Deadheading is not necessary.

Are coffee grounds good for marigolds?

Rhododendrons, like tomatoes and marigolds, love acidic soil and can benefit from a sprinkling of coffee grounds, which raise acid content. Coffee grounds also help to protect rhododendron bushes from root weevils.

Do you deadhead marigolds?

The flowering time for marigolds is extended by deadheading any spent blooms. ... If the marigold plants form seeds, they will stop blooming. Follow the flower stem down to the first set of leaves. This is the best place to deadhead the flower.

What can you not plant near marigolds?

Marigold companion planting enhances the growth of basil, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, gourds, kale, potatoes, squash and tomatoes. Marigold also makes a good companion plant to melons because it deters beetles. Beans and cabbage are listed as bad companion plants for marigolds.

Do marigolds like sun or shade?

Once planted, marigolds grow rapidly with no fuss. Most thrive in full sun, taking hot, sunny exposures in stride. Marigolds can even handle the reflected heat and light of paved surfaces as long as they get regular moisture. However, marigolds will tolerate up to 20% shade if there is bright light the rest of the day.

Why do my marigolds keep dying?

Among the most common marigold diseases are blights, rots, and mildews. Usually, these types of diseases show up when conditions are wet and warm, and fungal spores are rampant. In most cases, simply discontinuing overhead watering can stop the formation and spread of spores.

Why is Marigold not a flower?

Marigolds in excessively rich (or over-fertilized) soil may be lush and green, but may produce few blooms. This is one of the primary reasons for marigold plants not flowering. ... In shade, they may produce foliage but few blooms will appear. Lack of adequate sunlight is a very common reason for no flowers on marigolds.

How long do marigold plants last?

Garden marigolds are annuals, which means they germinate, grow, bear flowers and die all in one growing season. Generally, their maximum lifespan is less than a year, even when they're started early in the year indoors instead of starting from seed directly in the garden.

How often should marigolds be watered?

Established marigolds in garden beds need a good soak once each week. Give them enough water so that the soil is moist to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. If the weather is unusually hot or windy, they'll need extra water. Water marigolds in pots when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry.

How do you pinch marigolds?

Pinching helps marigolds bush out, rather than sending only one shoot up. Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch off the top growing tip of the plant. Deadheading is removing the flowers that have died. This forces the plant to keep blooming, rather than focusing on seed production.

Are eggshells good for plants?

The calcium from eggshells is also welcome in garden soil, where it moderates soil acidity while providing nutrients for plants. Eggshells contain such an abundance of calcium that they can be used almost like lime, though you would need a lot of eggshells to make a measurable impact.

What is eating the leaves on my marigolds?

Slugs. Slugs eat large holes in mature marigold leaves and will completely devour young plants. You won't commonly see slugs feeding on your marigolds because slugs are nocturnal, but you may see the slime trails they leave behind. Wait until after dark and, with a flashlight, pick off the slugs.

Which plants do not like coffee grounds?

In most cases, the grounds are too acidic to be used directly on soil, even for acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas and hollies. Coffee grounds inhibit the growth of some plants, including geranium, asparagus fern, Chinese mustard and Italian ryegrass.

When should marigolds be pruned?

Pinch back young marigolds in spring and early summer. When the plants are 6 to 8 inches tall, pinch or cut back foliage tips and new buds to encourage branching. The plant puts out lateral branches and buds. This branching creates bushier foliage and more flower buds.

Do marigold flowers keep bugs away?

Marigolds – The marigold is probably the most well-known plant for repelling insects. French marigolds repel whiteflies and kill bad nematodes. ... If you choose marigolds for your garden they must be scented to work as a repellant. And while this plant drives away many bad bugs, it also attracts spider mites and snails.

Will marigolds spread?

They'll begin to bloom approximately 45 days after planting. Marigold flowers tend to be in bright hues of yellow, orange and red, and many shades in between. ... In addition, most varieties are self-seeding, so they spread throughout the flower bed or garden year after year.

Can I plant marigolds with beans?

Marigold: Marigolds deter Mexican bean beetles and other insect pests from several garden plants, including beans. ... In fact, marigolds are a recommended companion for many different edible plants. Nasturtium, summer savory, and rosemary: Nasturtium and rosemary both deter bean beetle pests.

Can you plant marigolds and lavender together?

Lavender companion plants include flowers that, like lavender, enjoy full sun and well-drained soil such as marigolds, zinnias and certain types of daisies.

What plants look good with marigolds?

Here are a few ideas to help you decide what to plant with marigolds:

Allium.
Coreopsis.
Dusty miller.
Angelonia.
Gerbera daisies.
Asters.
Salvia.
Lantana.