To grow marigolds, you don't need to be an expert in floriculture or have a lot of knowledge. Especially if you have detailed instructions.
For many years they have been an integral part of flower beds in summer cottages or courtyards, as well as in parks. Yellow balls delight with their flowering from summer until the first frost. These flowers have not only an aesthetic purpose, but also a practical one. Plants are most often grown around the perimeter of the garden, their aroma repels harmful insects.
As with other perennials, marigolds propagate by seed. In order to purchase them, you need to contact any flower shop. I collect seeds from mature bushes. Be sure to wait for the time when they dry well. The only negative is that the flowers are hybrid. Therefore, the variety may change.
Due to their specific smell, they are not planted at home. I plant marigolds on the balcony, they bloom for a long time and delight the eyes of my household and passers-by.
Marigold variety
The marigold variety has about 40 species. They have a different bush height, color, inflorescence shape and type of leaves. Low-growing varieties such as Antigua, Thunder, Red Gem, Lu-Lu, Mandarin, Paprika and others can be planted on the balcony. Tall species look great in the garden: Lemon giant, Amber.
Planting time for seedlings
If you want to get early marigolds, then you need to choose the date when they will be planted for seedlings. It depends on several factors:
- growing in a flower bed or at home;
- establishing warm weather without frost;
- the beginning of flowering;
- is it possible to increase daylight hours.
Flowering occurs 1.5-2 months after the first shoots. Since the end of May, in the middle zone, the threat of return frosts has completely disappeared. Therefore, sowing should be carried out from March to April. The timing of planting seeds for seedlings for growing at home can be different. I plant marigolds for gardening my balcony in the first month of the year. In April, my first flowers appear.
Soil preparation for planting
If you want your marigolds to be brighter and more saturated, then a universal primer for flowers is suitable for you. I also add humus. Be sure to spill the mixture with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Next, you should lay the drainage, which consists of sand, pebbles and rubble.
A more effective way of soil disinfection is the use of Fitosporin solution. It helps to preserve the beneficial microflora of the earth, and also prevents the development of pathogens.
Seed preparation
First of all, the seeds of marigolds must be disinfected and germinated. Dip the seeds in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, and then stand for a day. After that, you need to dry them well. After that, the seeds must be placed in a container, covered with a damp cloth and left for 3 days in a warm place. During this time, sprouts will appear. Sometimes I do not germinate the seeds and plant them directly into the ground. In this case, seedlings appear a little later.
Sowing
Using a thin stick, I make furrows about 2-2.5 cm deep. I spill the soil with warm water, which I defend for 24 hours. I sow seeds and sprinkle with earth. I add sifted sand and wood ash to the soil. I cover it with glass and put it away in a warm place. Once a day, I remove condensate and ventilate the crops. The first shoots will appear in a week.
After the first shoots appear, I remove the glass and put the container closer to the light. Reduce the temperature to 16-18 degrees.
Picking
I make a pick when the seedlings reach 4 cm with 3 leaves.
Make a hole in the transplant pot and place the seedlings there up to the level of the cotyledon leaves. I straighten the roots and sprinkle with earth. Water the seedlings and try not to erode the ground with the roots. If the soil has settled heavily and needs to be compacted, add fresh soil to it. The seedlings will become stronger.
Fertilizers
I never feed marigolds in a flower bed. If you want to decorate the balcony with flowers, then you will have to resort to the help of fertilizers. The mineral complex is introduced into the soil 10 days after the pick. The second time when buds appear, and then at the beginning of flowering. The best fertilizers are liquid. I add them along with watering.
Transfer to the ground
- We need to dig up the site.
- When preparing the holes, the recommended planting distance should be observed.
- Then plant the plant in the hole, deepening the top of the roots by about 2 cm.
- Compact the earth.
- Spill the soil well.
Do you grow marigolds? Share your secrets.
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