We sow marigolds in the ground. How and when to plant marigolds in open ground: during flowering, before winter, or beautifully in a flower bed in spring? A photo

Marigolds (lat. Tagetes)- This is a genus of perennial and annual plants belonging to the Asteraceae or Compositae family. Plants are native to South and Central America. They have long been used in the rituals of local Indian tribes, as well as to get rid of various diseases. Marigolds came to Europe in the 16th century and were the first overseas flowers that appeared in Russia. Marigold flowers owe their name to Carl Linnaeus, who named them in honor of Tages, the Etruscan demigod, the grandson of Jupiter, who became famous for his gift of soothsaying and beauty.

Today, marigolds, or, as they are also called, Chornobryvtsy, number about 40 species and are cultivated in many countries of the world.

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Planting and caring for marigolds

• Landing: sowing in open ground in late May or early June. For seedlings - in March.
• Bloom: from June to frost.
• Lighting: bright sunlight or partial shade.
• The soil: loamy, well moistened at the beginning of the growing season, nutritious, neutral.
• Watering: regular and sufficient until flowering, then moderate.
• Top dressing: mineral solutions: 1st - at a seedling height of 10 cm, 2nd - during budding, 3rd - at the beginning of flowering.
• Pruning: possible, but not required.
• Reproduction: seed.
• Pests: spider mites, thrips, aphids, caterpillars, snails, slugs.
• Diseases: gray rot, black leg, root rot, viral infections.

Read more about growing marigolds below.

Marigold flowers - description

Marigold stalks are erect or branched, forming a bush with a height of 20 cm to 130 cm. The root system is fibrous, the leaves are pinnately divided or pinnately dissected, opposite or alternate, the color of the leaves is from light green to dark green. Flower baskets in different shades of yellow, brown and orange. The median flowers are tubular, bisexual, the marginal ones are pseudolingual, five stamens. The pistil has two stigmas, the ovary is inferior. Marigolds bloom very abundantly from June until the first frost. The fruit is a linear achene. Seeds of marigolds give abundant self-sowing and remain viable for 3-4 years. A strong spicy smell is not exuded by flowers like marigold leaves.

Growing marigolds from seeds

Planting marigolds is not difficult even for a beginner, since these flowers are completely unpretentious. You can dig in a ready-made flowering bush, and it will almost certainly be accepted and will delight you with long flowering. And you can easily sow the seeds directly into the open ground. This should be done in May, when the soil warms up sufficiently. Make a furrow about 5 cm deep with a chopper, spill it with water, sow seeds in the furrow and sprinkle them with earth. After a couple of weeks, sprouts will appear, and if they sprout too densely, plant them out.

But for those who are not looking for easy ways and are ready to test themselves as a breeder, we will tell you how to sow marigolds, how to grow marigolds from seedlings, how marigolds are obtained from seeds and when to plant marigolds for seedlings.

Preparing marigold seeds for planting

Marigold seeds are purchased only for the first planting, because at the end of flowering you can easily get seeds from your faded marigolds. You just need to let a few inflorescences dry well right on the bush and, if there is no rain, you can easily remove the ripened seeds from the calyx, dry them and store them until spring sowing. Just remember that almost all the marigolds that exist in the culture are hybrids, which means that every fourth seedling does not retain varietal properties and can inherit either paternal or maternal traits. Many flower growers plant marigolds for seedlings with germinated seeds. For germination, spread the seeds on a saucer covered with a damp cloth, place the saucer in a plastic bag and place in a warm place. After three days, the seeds should hatch.

In the photo: Marigold seeds

When to sow marigolds for seedlings

The sooner you sow marigolds for seedlings (even in early spring), the faster they will bloom. If you grow different species, then be aware that upright marigolds are sown earlier than others (in mid-March), stunted and small-leaved marigolds are sown in early April, and then all three species will bloom in June. Growing seedlings of marigolds is a simple process, but there are moments that should not be missed. Prepare a mixture of soil: humus, peat, turf, sand (1; 1; 1; 0.5) and disinfect by spilling a fungicide disinfectant solution or a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate.

Make sure that at the bottom of the container there is a drainage layer of crushed stone, sand or expanded clay 3 cm high, apply fertilizer to the soil (any organic matter, except for fresh manure).

At a distance of 1.5-2 cm from each other, make grooves, spread the seeds in them and sprinkle with a small layer of soil. You need to water very carefully so that the water does not wash the seeds out of the soil. The containers are kept in a warm place (22-25 ºC) and make sure that the soil does not dry out. Sprouts should appear no later than a week later, then the container should be moved to the light and the temperature should be slightly lowered (15-18 ºC).

In the photo: Sowing marigold seeds for seedlings

When to plant marigolds

Seedlings are planted in open ground when the threat of late frosts has passed: marigolds come from warm regions and do not tolerate cold weather. In addition, you need to wait until the seedlings have at least 3 leaves and a powerful root system. This usually happens in late May or early June. Marigolds need soil that is nutritious, well-moistened in the first half of summer, loamy and neutral. If the soil is infertile, you will have to fertilize 2-3 times during the growing season.

In the photo: Seedlings of marigolds in pots

The distance between seedlings depends on the species and variety. High marigolds are planted every 40 cm, the distance between rows is also 40 cm (40x40 scheme), medium-sized - according to the 30x30 scheme, undersized - 20x20. After planting, there is a need for frequent and abundant watering of the marigolds, because despite the fact that they are considered drought-resistant plants, if the marigolds are not watered, they will grow frail, and their inflorescences will be small.

In the photo: Flowering of marigolds in a flower bed

Marigold Care

Marigolds love bright lighting, and although they tolerate both partial shade and even shade well, they bloom most magnificently in the strongest sun. During growth watering should be sufficient, but as soon as inflorescences begin to form, watering should be reduced so that moisture does not stagnate: plants rot and do not bloom from this. Fertilize marigolds are not necessary at all, but if you feed them, marigolds will respond to this with gratitude. You need to feed with complex fertilizers when the seedlings reach a height of 10 cm, then when the first buds appear and, finally, at the very beginning of flowering.

Marigolds need regular weeding and loosening the soil otherwise it is difficult for them to breathe. In the summer, if the marigolds have grown, spend pruning to form beautiful bushes. Remove faded buds and the plants will bloom even more. The peculiar aroma of marigolds and the phytoncides contained in them serve as protection against fungal diseases not only for the plants themselves, but also for those that grow in the neighborhood. It is not for nothing that many flower growers frame the entire garden plot with plantings of marigolds. But if the summer is too damp, then snails and slugs. The smell of bleach placed in jars between plants can scare them away.

Sometimes it still appears on leaves and stems gray rot. In this case, the affected plants will have to be destroyed so that they do not infect the rest of the marigolds. In a dry summer, plants may be attacked by a spider mite, which will have to be fought by spraying with an infusion of onions, yarrow, red hot peppers. But to prevent this from happening, try to increase the level of humidity in the air by spraying water around the marigolds several times a day.

Marigolds after flowering

As a rule, decorative marigolds are annual plants, therefore, after flowering during autumn digging, they are simply pulled out. If you want to grow marigolds next year, collect the seeds, dry them and store them until the end of March or the beginning of February.

Do not throw away dried inflorescences, they will be useful to you on the farm and in your first-aid kit. For example, if you have to work at the computer for a long time, eat 2-3 small heads of dark-colored marigolds before meals or adding them to a salad.

In the photo: Dried marigolds

With roundworms or pinworms, you need to eat 5 heads of marigolds before going to bed for adults, and 2-3 (depending on age) heads of marigolds for children.

If you toss a bucket of wilted marigolds into a compost pit, there will be no midges around it.

Put a bouquet of marigolds on the windowsill and at the front door, and unexpected unkind guests will pass by your house.

And finally, we offer several recipes that may be of interest to women:

• Lip balm(for softness): Mix 2 tablespoons crushed marigold heads with 1 tablespoon apricot oil and 1/3 cup olive oil. Infuse the mixture in the dark for a week, then strain, carefully squeezing the raw materials. Lubricate lips as needed.
• Face lotion. Pour 2 tablespoons of crushed marigold inflorescences with a glass of boiling water and insist overnight, then strain, squeezing out the remnants, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of vodka. Store lotion in the refrigerator. Wipe your face with infusion three times a day.
• In case of inflammation or irritation of the skin of the face, prickly heat, use this remedy: pour 2 tablespoons of crushed heads of marigolds with one and a half glasses of hot water, bring to a boil, then leave for 3-4 hours under the lid, strain, squeezing the raw materials, pour in the juice of a large aloe leaf and 2 tablespoons spoons of water. Store the composition in the refrigerator. Wipe the inflamed areas twice a day.

Properties of marigolds

A flowerbed of marigolds is an invaluable home pharmacy: modern scientific research confirms the healing properties of marigolds, known from legends and legends, so growing marigolds not only gives aesthetic pleasure, but also brings real benefits to human health. Lutein, for example, which they contain, reduces the likelihood of developing cataracts.

Also, traditional medicine treats diabetes mellitus and inflammation of the pancreas with marigolds. Marigolds are medicinal, dried and then infused, they treat stomatitis, bronchitis, asthma and colds, purify the blood. To prepare the infusion, you need to pour a tablespoon of crushed flowers with a liter of boiling water, insist for three hours, then strain and drink a glass half an hour before meals for a month.

In the photo: Dried marigold inflorescences

Baths with the addition of marigold decoction have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, relieve stress and anxiety, so they are recommended for depression and neuroses. In addition, the peoples of South America have long used marigolds for food and as a condiment, and for making sauces and pastries, and for marinades. In the markets of the Caucasus, marigolds are sold as a powder, added to pilaf, satsivi and soups and called “Imereti saffron” by culinary specialists. The French, in order to satisfy the needs of their gourmets, grow marigolds on an industrial scale. Marigold leaves included in marinades give canned vegetables elasticity and a pleasant aroma.

In the photo: Dried chopped marigolds

And here is a recipe for homemade cookies that you will definitely like: beat 4 egg whites into foam; Grind 2 tablespoons of fresh marigold petals with 100 g of sugar; rubbing 4 tablespoons of butter, gradually add 4 yolks to it, petals with sugar, then 100 g of flour, and then carefully place the whipped whites on top and mix gently; put the dough on a baking sheet and bake until the cake is golden. Cut the cooled cake into squares.

Types and varieties of marigolds

There are many varieties of marigolds in culture, but three types of marigolds are popular: erect marigolds (usually tall), rejected marigolds (undersized) and thin-leaved marigolds, which are less common in our latitudes than others. The varieties of these three species are very diverse: among them there are large-flowered and small-flowered marigolds, terry and densely double marigolds of all shades of yellow, orange and brown.

Marigolds erect (Tagetes erecta)

Or african marigolds, are giants of the genus, their height is from 30 to 100 cm. Inflorescences, as a rule, are monophonic and double, reach 15 cm in diameter. Among the most popular marigold varieties are Vanilla 70 cm tall with creamy white double inflorescences 12 cm in diameter; Kilimanjaro marigolds 60-70 cm tall with densely double spherical inflorescences; marigolds of Antigua, low, up to 25 cm tall, but erect, with large flowers - up to 15 cm in diameter, golden, lemon yellow, orange and bright yellow in color.

The official name of marigolds is Tagetes, and they belong to the Astrov family. In fact, this plant is a perennial, but in Russian latitudes it is grown as an annual. In the open field, flowers do not hibernate, but they feel great in indoor pots. Marigolds are propagated by seeds, and in some regions a seedling variant is practiced.

Types of marigolds and popular varieties

There are more than 30 plant species in the marigold genus. They are similar in appearance, specific persistent aroma and features. In Russia, mainly 3 types of tagetes are cultivated, which can be seen in group plantings in flower beds, in the border frame of paths, in small islands on alpine hills. Flowers coexist with garden crops.

Table 1: Types of marigolds - rejected

Name	Peculiarities	Popular varieties
Rejected (Tagetes French)	The main stem is erect, but the crown itself is located below the lateral tops of the 1st order, which are at an acute angle. Similar branchings are observed on stems of 2-4 orders Dark green leaves reach 7 cm wide and up to 14 cm long. Inflorescences are distinguished by yellow, orange, red-brown colors. There are varieties bicolor, bordered or spotted	"Harmony", "Naughty Marietta", "Tiger Eye", "Carmen", "Orange Flame", "Goldie",

"Naughty Marietta"
"Orange Flame"

Table 2: Types of marigolds - upright

"Albatross"
"Smile"
"Antigua"

Table 3: Types of marigolds - thin-leaved

"Paprika"
"Ursula"

Ribbed stems, pinnately dissected leaves with serrated edges are characteristic of all types of herbaceous plants. The inflorescences are represented by a loose basket (simple, terry and semi-double), giving a fruit - an achene.

When to plant marigolds for seedlings in 2019

Despite the fact that tagetes is an unpretentious plant, it is too sensitive to frost, and a temperature of minus 1 degree can kill seedlings. Therefore, flower growers are waiting for stable heat and only then they sow marigolds in open ground.

Tall varieties grow slowly, and in some regions it is more rational to first sow the seeds in boxes, and then transfer the grown bushes to flower beds. In order for the plants to take root well and turn out to be lush, in addition to climatic features, the influence of the planets is also taken into account.

Orientation to the phases of the moon in agricultural technology is based on thousands of years of practice, so the recommendations of astrologers should be trusted. The landing calendar gives information about the position of the night star on each day of the year. Here, first of all, the phases of the moon are taken into account, there are 4 of them - 2 growing and the same number decreasing.

For annual flowers, auspicious days are from the new moon to the full moon. Moreover, if you choose the 1st week for sowing, the marigold inflorescences will turn out to be more magnificent.

To decide on specific dates, you should take into account which domain the Moon will be in on a given day. The passage of the Month through the signs of the Zodiac in one year does not coincide with subsequent periods. Therefore, for 2019, a horoscope is drawn up.

Suitable signs for sowing annual flowers are Pisces, Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio. Marigolds for seedlings are recommended to be sown in March - April.

Based on this, the following dates can be considered favorable days when the Moon is in:

• Taurus - March 10-11 and April 6-8;
• Rake - March 15-16 and April 10-11;
• Virgo - March 19-20;
• Libra - April 17-18.

The Moon passes through the constellation Pisces in 2019 only in waning quarters. It should also be noted that April 12 is an unfavorable day, despite the fact that the satellite is in Cancer. These days are transitional from the 1st quarter to the 2nd, and have a negative impact.

Sowing in the regions

The lunar calendar provides general information for summer residents and is not always tied to the climatic features of the regions. If marigolds are planned to be grown through seedlings, then spring frosts in this case are not terrible. Here you need to take into account the timing when the seedlings are transplanted into open ground.

• The recommendations of the Lunar calendar are adapted to the conditions of the Central region, which includes the Moscow region. Despite the fact that March days are also indicated for sowing flowers, in this strip of Russia it is better to dwell on the April numbers - 10 and 11.
• In the Leningrad region, it is better to sow a week later - April 17-18.
• In the Urals, everything depends on the regions included in the region. In the southern part, you can take the same dates as a basis. But for the northern Urals and regions of Siberia, May is the best time.

If we take into account the Lunar calendar, then the best days for cold areas will be such May days: 8, 9 (in Cancer), 13 (in Virgo), 14-16 (in Libra), 17, 18 (in Scorpio). But the 12th (Moon in Virgo) is the most unfavorable day for sowing.

Growing marigolds from seeds at home

Before you start sowing seeds, they must be prepared, as well as pick up the soil mixture. The next steps will depend on the chosen technique.

Soil and seed preparation

Marigolds are considered undemanding plants, but the choice of soil is of great importance for the good development of seedlings.

• In order for the soil to be nutritious and loose in structure, peat, soddy soil, and compost are included in the composition.
• All are taken in equal parts and mixed with a small amount of sand. You can also purchase a ready-made substrate with a neutral reaction at the store.
• Before use, the soil is steamed or treated with a fungicide. This will help to avoid the development of the "black leg" in the future.

Those who have been growing tagetes for a long time always have seeds on hand. Beginners borrow from acquaintances or buy from distributors. It should be borne in mind that only achenes no older than 2 years of age are suitable for planting.

• wet matter is placed on the saucer;
• seeds are poured on top in one layer;
• the container is placed in a bag and tied.

Seeds are kept for 3 days in a warm place without light. Then they are removed from the package, the bad ones are rejected, and the rest are boldly sown.

Each summer resident has his favorite methods of growing seedlings. Here it is proposed to consider the most popular of them.

Table 4: Methods for sowing marigolds

Method	Peculiarities
in a container	These can be seedling boxes, container-type plastic containers, cassettes, cups. Either way, the principle is the same: a layer of drainage is poured at the bottom (2 cm); the container is filled with soil mixture; make indentations 1-2 cm; moisten and lay the seeds; sprinkled with a small layer of garden soil with sand. If sowing is done in a common container, then the holes are evenly distributed at a distance of 1.5 cm from each other. You can also use grooves
in the snail	It is not difficult to build such a structure - you will need a dense plastic tape or a substrate for a laminate. Sowing is carried out according to the following algorithm: toilet paper is placed on top of the substrate and both tapes are fastened (for example, with a stapler); the paper is moistened and along one edge (at a distance of 1 cm) marigold seeds are evenly laid, trying not to damage the germinated loops; on top of the tape sprinkled with soil mixture; rolled into a snail and secured with an elastic band; put in a plastic glass or deep plate; earth is added from above and the snail is sent to the windowsill. After 2 days, you can expect the first shoots. By the way, you can also germinate seeds in a snail by wrapping them in a ribbon without soil.
In boiling water	This method is suitable for a container with a lid. Seeds can be evenly distributed over the surface of the soil and lightly sprinkled with earth on top, or can be laid in shallow grooves Boiling water is abundantly poured from above, but so that there is no waterlogging. The container is covered with a lid and placed on a shelf. A container with marigolds can not be put on the windowsill, but also not hidden in a dark place After 3 days, when more than 50% of seedlings hatch, the container is opened and placed closer to sunlight.

Any of the described methods gives good results. Therefore, each summer resident will choose the most convenient way for himself to grow seedlings.

We sow marigolds in the "snail" simply and effectively - video

Tagetes, like other plants, prefers that the conditions of agricultural technology be observed. But at the same time, culture does not impose special requirements.

Basic care comes down to the following points:

• watering is done when the soil has time to dry slightly;
• it is important that there is no stagnation of water in the pan;
• for better seedling development, she will need additional nutrition, which is carried out every 2 weeks using a universal flower complex;
• fertilizers are applied not immediately, but 10-15 days after sowing and picking, and then according to the scheme;
• if the seeds are not planted densely, marigolds can not dive; otherwise, the procedure is carried out when 3 carved leaves are formed on the seedling.

When transplanting, the sprouts are buried in the ground so that the cotyledons do not touch the soil. Then the seedlings will not get sick, and a strong root system will develop on it.

Seedlings of marigolds are ready for transplanting into flower beds when they reach the age of 35-40 days. But here, again, it is necessary to take into account the climatic features of the region.

After waiting until the air temperature stabilizes and does not fall below zero, they begin to harden the sprouts.

The first days they keep them with an open window, then they begin to take them out into the fresh air. After 2 weeks, you can plant in a flower bed, choosing a sunny area for the flower garden.

How to care for marigolds in summer

The culture does not require special care, but, observing the minimum rules of agricultural technology, they take into account the phase of plant development:

• despite the drought resistance of marigolds, in the first half of summer they need abundant watering (but do not tolerate waterlogging); then irrigation is reduced to a minimum;
• top dressing at the beginning of the season should be comprehensive and as complete as possible; from the second half of summer, nitrogen-containing components are excluded.

All other activities (loosening the soil, weeding from weeds) are carried out as needed. There is no need to worry about pests - the smell of marigolds scares them away.

Of the diseases, the most dangerous is the “black leg”, which affects the roots. But it can develop only against the background of a swampy area.

The first fertilization in an open flower bed is made 2 weeks after planting the sprouts.Summer residents at this stage use a solution of urea (1 tablespoon per 2.5 liters of water).

At the time of the appearance of the first buds, a solution of potassium sulfate and superphosphate is used. During flowering, nitrophoska is diluted (30 g per 10 liters of water).

Lush flowering can be achieved not only with preparations such as "Agricola", but also with folk remedies, feeding marigolds with such compositions:

• crushed nettles are poured with water and insisted on the sun for 2 days;
• under each bush, you can pour a little wood ash.

These 2 tools are sometimes combined with each other. Having introduced 0.5 cups of ash under each plant, marigolds are watered with herbal infusion (0.5 l). But initially, the nettle solution must be diluted additionally with water in a ratio of 1:5.

How and when to collect your seeds

In order for the flower bed to be no less lush next year, you need to take seed material from the largest and healthiest bushes. It is advisable not to miss the moment of their flowering - a further countdown will go from it.

Achenes ripen 40 days after the appearance of the first inflorescences.But you need to collect them when the basket withers and becomes dry, and the stems turn brown.

Seed boxes are carefully cut and laid out under a canopy for drying. Then the seeds are poured into cardboard boxes and paper bags, which must indicate the date of collection.

All work is carried out in warm, not wet weather. Otherwise, the seeds will not be stored for a long time.

There are gardeners who prefer sowing marigolds immediately in open ground. 3 options are practiced, delimited by time, which makes it possible to admire beautiful flowers all season.

Sowing seeds before winter

Although marigolds do not like frost, they are, after all, perennial plants. Therefore, in the regions of the Middle Strip and to the south, they can be sown before winter to get early flower beds. But in this case, it is recommended to take more seeds (based on natural selection).

The process includes a number of features:

• from the second half of September - at the beginning of October, they prepare the site by cutting shallow grooves;
• after waiting for the soil to freeze well, seeds are placed in the grooves;
• the grooves are covered with preheated and dried soil.

From above, the flower garden is covered with a ten-centimeter layer of wood chips or leaves. To prevent the material from being scattered by the wind, it is fixed with a special covering net.

Winter sowing of marigolds - video

Flower greenhouses can be equipped immediately on a flower bed by building a shelter from a film stretched over boards. Or set aside a corner for this structure, and then dive into the seedlings for the strengthened sprouts.

In this case, marigolds can be sown closer to the end of April (and in some regions in early May). Then it is better to stop the choice on the rejected tagetes - these are varieties that are more resistant to spring frosts. Plants picked from a greenhouse bloom earlier than those grown by seedlings.

Sowing in open ground

It is not possible to sow marigolds immediately in a flower bed in all regions, and it is better to do this in the second half of May - early June. Good germination and fast flowering can be achieved with undersized varieties (Dainty Marietta, Disco Orange, Spray Petit, etc.).

Wide holes 5 cm deep are formed in the flower garden, into which one germinated seed is dipped. The distance between the pits is maintained at 20-25 cm. If tall varieties are taken (such as "Hawaii", "Silver Light"), then the gap is maintained at 30-40 cm.

Before the achenes are sent to the holes, the earth is well moistened. A small layer of earth (1-1.5 cm) is poured over the seeds. After a week, you can already wait for the first shoots to appear.

Marigolds have such a specific aroma that the plants are planted in the frame of vegetable beds to repel pests. In those areas where marigolds grow, crops are not affected by fungal diseases.

• Infusions are prepared from flowering baskets, which are then sprayed on diseased plants. The healing composition helps to cope with the colonies of aphids that attacked the garden.
• Tagetes is also effective in the fight against weeds such as creeping leek.
• Experienced summer residents disinfect seeds of other flowers and vegetable crops in marigold infusion, protecting them from diseases. This is especially important for root crops, since the persistent smell will scare away the wireworm and the bear.
• You should not throw out the dried bushes collected from the flower bed - they can be added to the compost, preventing the development of pathogenic microflora there.It is recommended to sow areas of the future garden with marigolds, and in the fall to put them under digging. Such green manure perfectly fertilize and disinfect the soil.

Marigolds in a flower bed with other flowers: photo

Marigolds in bouquets - photo

Large varieties of marigolds, as well as small thin-leaved tagetes in combination with other flowers, look very original in bouquets.

Marigolds: cultivation and care - video

Marigolds are amazing flowers that not only decorate the garden, but also bring great benefits to the site. And how to grow them, summer residents will decide for themselves, based on the characteristics of their region.

Tagetes (or just marigolds) are very unpretentious flowers. These joyful "suns" of warm yellow-orange and reddish-variegated shades are an indispensable attribute of any flower bed. Marigolds grow well in the ground, in balcony boxes. They are easy to decorate the site. They are easy to care for.

You can grow tagetes in a seedless way by sowing seeds directly into the soil in a flower bed. But much earlier (almost a month) they will bloom if you sow the seeds for seedlings. And for landscape design of the site it is more convenient. In the case of sowing seeds in the ground, the flower beds will not only have to wait with beauty, but it is not known how the seeds will sprout. The flower bed can turn out to be uneven with “bald spots”. Therefore, the vast majority of flower growers grow marigold seedlings, moreover, they prefer to receive seedlings with their own hands.

What you need to grow marigold seedlings

In an apartment, growing seedlings of marigolds is not difficult. You will need:

1. Seeds.
2. soil and drainage.
3. boxes or containers.
4. Lighting lamps.
5. Glass or film for cover.
6. Complex fertilizers for flower seedlings.

How to cook seeds

When growing marigold seedlings, it is advisable to take seeds no older than two years (this is the germination period for this crop). You can sow dry seeds - it is more convenient to work with dry seed. But to increase germination, it is preferable to soak the seeds in water at room temperature or even germinate in a humid environment. Still seeds, especially collected from their site, must be disinfected in a solution of potassium permanganate. If you don't want to work with wet seeds, you can dust them with fungicide powder by placing them in a bag and adding a pinch of powder.

When to sow

1. The weather in your area. Possibility of return frosts. The timing of the onset of sustainable heat.
2. Terms of obtaining flowering plants - in which month you want to have a flowering flower bed of marigolds.
3. From sowing to flowering, marigolds, depending on the growth conditions and variety, will need 1.5-2.5 months.

February- the optimal month for sowing marigolds. If you did not have time to orient yourself or prepare for sowing, it can also be done in March, but then flowering tagetes will appear on your flower bed only in June.

Soil and seedling containers for tagetes

The Tagetes need very light land, of medium fertility. For sowing seeds, the medium should be neutral, and preferably slightly acidic. Hybrid varieties are more demanding on the composition of the soil.

Seedling boxes or containers are prepared for sowing. Fill them with moistened soil by 3/4. The seeds are laid out in shallow grooves (about a centimeter) in increments of three centimeters. Powdering of crops is carried out with a mixture of peat or leafy soil with sand. From above, the soil is generously sprayed with water from a spray bottle. Be sure to cover the box with glass or film. Shelter periodically needs to be removed and ventilated crops.

How to care for marigold seedlings

Tagetes is very thermophilic, does not tolerate even light frosts, so there is another plus in seedling propagation - a guarantee against freezing of seeds and seedlings during early sowing in open ground.

Parameters and stages of care	Description
Warmly	The temperature of keeping containers with crops before germination is not lower than + 22 ° С, and optimally - + 24 ... + 25 ° С. The first sprouts, if the seeds have undergone pre-sowing treatment, will appear already on the 5-6th day. Dry untreated seeds can germinate up to 10-12 days. Further temperature for good development of seedlings should be reduced to + 18 ... + 20 ° С
Light	Marigolds need plenty of sunlight. Therefore, they are planted in flower beds in open places, avoiding shade. Tagetes seedlings at all stages, starting from the emergence of seedlings, need additional illumination. Marigolds need to be illuminated 12-13 hours a day. This is done in the daytime - at night the plants should rest. Illumination should be carried out with fluorescent lamps, phytolamps, LEDs or any lighting devices designed to illuminate plants.
Watering and feeding	Marigolds do not like water. As an adult, they are remarkably drought tolerant, but from seed to seedling, they need constant, abundant moisture. You can start feeding the plant 14 days after germination and do this every two weeks. Last feeding - 14 days before planting
Picks	When two true leaves appear, the first pick is carried out. Tagetes do not need individual pots at this stage - you can dive into large boxes, increasing the step to 7 cm. The next picking can be carried out in a month already in pots with a diameter of 12 cm. This will make it easier to plant plants in a flower bed

disembarkation

Marigolds easily endure all the procedures associated with their movement. They can not only dive, but also transplanted in a state of budding and even the appearance of flowers.

Planting seedlings in a flower bed can (depending on the climate) begin at the end of April. The most common landing time is May. In especially cold regions - June.

Advice! It is always better to wait with marigold seedlings without planting them until the last moment.

The seedlings are planted in shallow holes at a distance of at least 15 cm from each other (for low varieties) and a maximum of 40 cm (for high varieties).
Tagetes can be planted not only in flower beds. This plant is a real garden "doctor". Planted around the perimeter of the beds, marigolds will protect garden plants from most diseases and numerous pests. Plants also improve the soil.

Care in the flower garden

Caring for flowers in a flower bed is simple. It includes standard floricultural events:

• watering;
• weeding;
• removal of dried flowers.

To reduce the number of weeds and reduce watering, tagetes plantings can be mulched.

These beautiful, persistent, lush flowers in vibrant, optimistic hues are sure to please. They will create a positive mood and summer flowerbed design. Tagetes will look great both in the greenery of the garden, and on the vegetable garden or on the lawn. They go well with other colors and have no antagonists. Marigolds are excellent predecessors for all garden and horticultural crops.

Video - How to sow marigold seeds for seedlings

Hi all! Today in our article, we will talk about how to grow marigolds from seeds at home, we learn a lot of useful and valuable information: where to get marigold seeds, when to sow, how to grow seedlings, how to care for and much more.

Beneficial features

The first useful property of marigolds is their nice appearance. Bright dense flowers can serve as a decoration in any flower bed and garden plot.

The second advantage is their unpretentiousness. They are able to tolerate various weather conditions, frosts, grow well in northern latitudes.

The third useful property is their Help with garden pest control. For example, they perfectly protect potato plantings from the Colorado potato beetle, cabbage from cabbage butterflies, onions from onion flies, etc.

Marigolds are used in home medicine. They have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic and choleretic properties. Sometimes pomace from these flowers is used in the early stages of diabetes to lower blood sugar levels. Plants have a beneficial effect on metabolism. A tincture of these flowers helps to prevent colds.

marigold seeds

Where to take?

Marigold seeds are easy to find in the store.

In addition, as marigolds fade, they produce a large number of seeds that can be used the next year.

The problem is that if you collect the seeds of one variety, you cannot be sure that you will get flowers of the same kind the next year, because varieties are often hybrids and in the next generation they do not give the result that you expect.

Marigolds produce seeds, on average, 40 days after the start of flowering. Warm, dry weather is needed to collect seeds.

The flowers on the plants should completely dry out, after which the seed boxes are collected, dried and left to be stored until the next season.

When to sow?

The time you plant marigolds depends on when you want them to bloom. For early flowering, marigolds are sown on seedlings in early spring at home.

Seeds can be planted in open ground only after the threat of frost has passed, i.e. in the second half of May or early June. If you live in northern latitudes, you are better off using seedlings.

If you want to have marigolds as a house plant, you can try planting their seeds in pots in the fall. With enough light, they will produce flowers by spring.

Seedling

Growing from seeds

At home, marigold seedlings can be grown in plastic containers.

Containers must have a hole to drain excess water. Paper is lined at the bottom of the containers and a three-centimeter layer of crushed stone or coarse sand is poured out. The depth of the furrow for sowing should be 1 cm. The distance between the seeds is 1.5 cm.

Seeds are sprinkled with a very thin (0.5 cm) layer of soil and watered. The containers are covered with foil and placed in a warm place until germination.

Marigold seeds can be germinated before planting. A damp cloth or gauze is placed at the bottom of a small container, then seeds, the top of the container is covered with polyethylene and placed in a warm place. After the emergence of sprouts can be sown in the soil.

seedling care

Marigold sprouts appear 4-8 days after sowing the seeds. Plants should be moved to the windowsill, where they will have enough light and cool.

For successful germination, a room temperature of 22 to 25 degrees is required. After sprouts appear, the optimum temperature is from 18 to 22 degrees.

Germination of marigolds requires regular moistening of the earth in containers. Flower sprouts are watered under the root, not too plentifully. Each subsequent watering should be carried out after the earth dries well.

After the first pair of true leaves appear, marigolds should be planted less densely. Take a young plant and transplant it into a separate glass.

Priming

Land preparation for landing

Marigolds can be planted in well-drained sandy soils. Before planting in the ground, you can add a little peat and humus.

In stores, you can buy a mixture for growing these flowers. The land in which marigolds are planted is advised to decontaminate. In winter, for example, an earth mixture can be kept in the cold for 2 weeks to destroy pest larvae. You can also cultivate the earth with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Landing in the ground

If you want to plant marigolds outdoors, choose a place where the flowers will be sufficiently protected from cold winds.

The optimum daily temperature for plants is from 18 to 22 degrees.

The place should not be heavily shaded if you want abundant flowering. Also, do not plant plants in areas that are too exposed to the sun.

Seedlings of marigolds do not take root during frosts. Depending on the climatic conditions in the place where you are, it is necessary to time the planting of flowers so that the threat of frost is minimal. Usually this is the end of May - the beginning of June.

Greenhouse films or plastic glasses help to protect young seedlings and seeds from hypothermia, with which flowers can be covered at night.

Before planting marigold seedlings, let them stand for a week in outdoor containers, for example, on a balcony, so that the flowers have time to get used to the new conditions.

If you are sowing seeds directly into the ground, make sure that the ambient temperature is sufficient for them to germinate (22 - 25 degrees). You can cover the ground with greenhouse film to create the right conditions and keep the soil from drying out in the open sun.

Holes are prepared in the ground with dimensions:

1. 20 by 20 cm for undersized varieties;
2. 30 by 30 cm for medium height;
3. 40 by 40 cm for tall.

The soil is moistened, the plant is strengthened in the ground and left to take root.

Marigold Care

The main care is regular loosening of the soil and thinning. In addition, it is necessary to prune flower bushes to get beautiful plants.

Old dried flowers need to be removed to make room for new ones.

Watering

Marigolds do well without water, so compliance with a special watering regime is not required for them.

With insufficient moisture and drying of the soil, abundant flowering should not be expected. More thorough moistening of marigolds is required until they take root well in the soil and begin to bloom.

Fertilizer

They respond well to top dressing and delight gardeners with abundant flowers. However, a large amount of fertilizer can delay the appearance of flowers on plants.

It is considered optimal to feed once when their height is 10 cm, the second time - when the buds are tied, the third - during flowering.

The soil mixture in which the marigolds are planted may already contain nutritious top dressing (peat, humus).

Pests

Despite the fact that these flowers protect garden plants well from pests and microorganisms, they themselves can also suffer from fungi or spider mites.

Fungi multiply on marigolds with excess moisture and lack of sufficient lighting. To cure plants, they must be moved to a dry and well-lit place.

To combat the spider mite that appears on flowers if they are planted in a too dry place, spraying with infusions of red pepper, yarrow or onion is suitable.

Marigolds do not tolerate treatment with pesticides, therefore, it is not recommended to use chemical agents to combat the diseases of these plants. Flowers affected by persistent fungal or bacterial infections must be destroyed.

When do they bloom?

The flowering time of marigolds depends on the time of planting their seeds in the ground, the amount of sun and fertilizer, air temperature and the type of flowers. The sooner you plant, the sooner they will delight you with their bright colors.

Improper care can interfere with flowering. Waterlogging and heavy feeding in the first half of the growing season can lead to abundant growth of the green part and a delay in the appearance of flowers.

Marigolds rejected give flowers 30 - 40 days after sowing. Thin-leaved plants begin to bloom on the 40th - 50th day, and erect ones - on the 50th - 70th day after sowing the seeds.

Flowering continues for a long time, usually until mid-autumn.

That's how you learned how marigolds are grown from seeds!

Share this article with your loved ones and ask your questions in the comments!

Check out this very helpful video!

Marigolds, or, in other words, tagetes, are spectacular flowers that many people like. It should be noted that the flower bed on which these fiery red flowers grow is not only stunningly decorative and pleasing to the eye, but can also be considered a kind of pharmacy - since tagetes flowers have a lot of beneficial and healing properties. At the same time, marigolds are not particularly difficult to care for, and even a novice gardener can grow them. Today we will take a closer look at how the cultivation of the seeds of these flowers takes place: how marigolds are planted, when to plant, what is necessary for this.

Marigolds are considered the first foreign decorative flowers brought to the Russian state. The marigold flowers received the Latin name "Tagetes" in honor of a relative of Jupiter, a demigod-predictor who was subject to knowledge of the future, and besides, Tagetes was distinguished by extraordinary beauty. Marigolds come from the southern and central lands of America, and they have long been known as flowers that were used in their rituals and healer traditions by Indian tribes.

To date, marigolds, or, as they are called in the common people, "Chornobryvtsy", are known to flower growers all over the world, and there are about forty varieties of these beautiful flowers. However, even an inexperienced person recognizes a popular flower bed in any of the species, since the varieties are visually similar to each other.

Usually marigolds are a small bush (height varies from twenty centimeters and above), the stems of the flowers are straight, persistent, branched. The leaves of marigolds can have a color from light-light green to rich emerald, shades of petals - from bright yellow and orange to carmine-brown, red-burgundy, brick.

The aroma of tagetes is strong, spicy and specific, and it comes not so much from the flowers themselves, but from the leaves and stems of the plant. Marigolds bloom very elegantly, amicably and profusely, delighting the eye from June until the first snow. At the same time, tagetes gives a lot of seeds that remain viable for three to four years. These qualities make the flower extremely attractive for those who want to have a bright flower bed for a long time, and also do not want to mess around with capricious flowers.

In the form of a table, we present the most popular types and varieties of tagetes in Russia, which take root well in open soil and have excellent decorative qualities.

Table 1. Varieties and types of marigolds

View	Varieties
upright	Amber lace, Lemon Queen, Golden light, Uncle Styopa, Vanilla, Golden domes, Hussars, White moon, Lemon miracle, Alaska, Velvet season, Cosmonauts, Cupid, Lady, Taishan, Smile (Smile), Fiction, Prima gold, Glitter, Golden Fluff, Dune, Golden Prince, Crackjack, Inca, Hawaii, Eskimo.
Thin-leaved	Ursula, Lulu, Ornament, Starfire, Starlight, Gnome, Paprika, Red Gem, Starlight, Karina, Starshine, Mimimix, Golden Jam, Firestar, Golden Ring.
Rejected	Coin, Hero, Fireball, Petit Gold, Bolero, Lumia, Harmony, Mercedes, Little Guy, Orange Flame, Safari, Chica, Bonanza, Red Cherry, Rusty Red, Mandarin, Jolly Jester, Gaby, Cross, Capricious Marietta, Petit Harmony, Petit Gold, Pascal, Durango, Gullebrand, Brocade Yellow, Tiger's Eye.

Properties and features of marigolds

Lush bright marigold flowers are not only a decoration of a garden or a separate flower bed. This plant is able to repel insect pests, inhibit pathogenic fungi that interfere with growth, and can also be used in a home first aid kit. Let's talk about the wonderful properties of marigolds in more detail.

The flowers, stems and leaves of tagetes contain phytoncides that can destroy the growth of fungi that live in the soil, repel unwanted pests (nematodes, fusarium, weevil, whitefish and the like). Therefore, marigolds are often planted next to other, more defenseless and delicate plants, flowers and even vegetable crops (tagetes is able to protect asters, phloxes and clematis, cabbage, strawberries).

In addition, marigolds have healing properties for humans. So, tincture of dried flowers and leaves treat problems with the pancreas, diabetes, ophthalmic ailments. It is believed that dried and boiled petals are able to save a person from stomatitis, colds, asthma, and blood diseases. The most common recipe for making a tincture: a tablespoon of dried crushed flowers is poured with a liter of boiling water, insisted for three hours, then filtered. The resulting infusion is drunk once a day, a glass before meals, the duration of the course is a month.

Interesting: crushed marigold petal powder is a popular condiment. It is added to marinades, sauces, soups and pastries. In Asian countries, dried marigolds are called "Imeretian saffron" and are actively added to many national dishes, for example, pilaf.

Prices for marigold seeds

marigold seeds

How to grow marigolds from seeds?

Marigolds are extremely unpretentious, and, having excellent decorative properties, they are drought and frost resistant, unpretentious to soil, watering and sunlight. That is why marigolds are often planted in city flower beds. Actually, on the streets of his city, every person who fell in love with these flowers can collect seeds in order to grow tagetes on their own in the future. We tell you how to do it in a step-by-step guide.

Seed collection

Marigold seeds are harvested before the first frost, when the buds have already dried up, but are still on the stems. Inside the flower, a so-called box is formed, inside which the seeds are located. They need to be stored in a dry place until spring (it is best to plant fresh seeds that are stored for no more than two years).

Planting seeds in open ground

Usually marigold seeds are brought into open ground in May, when the air temperature is stable and no longer drops below five degrees. Planting tagetes is elementary:

1. A groove is dug in the ground four to five centimeters deep.
2. Dry seeds are poured into the soil.
3. From above, the seeds are spilled with water.
4. Dip the earth on top and water it lightly again.

After ten to fourteen days, sprouts can be seen. If necessary, marigolds are seated at this stage (you can leave it as it is).

Planting seeds at home

It is also possible to grow marigolds at home, in order to have a beautiful flowering flower bed at the beginning of summer. In this case, planting should be planned for March or early April, so that the flowers have time to form, and already in early June, bloom in the garden, garden or flower bed.

The first step is to prepare the seeds themselves, as well as the earthen substrate and containers for seedlings. A mixture of humus, washed sand and peat (1:½:2) is suitable as a substrate. It is more convenient to use low and wide plastic containers for planting, on the bottom of which a three-centimeter layer of expanded clay is laid out for drainage.

Next, a substrate is poured into the container, which can be poured in advance with a solution of dark pink potassium permanganate (so that the marigolds are not struck by the "black leg" - a disease common among these flowers). After that, furrows are made in the soil (no deeper than two or three centimeters), the rows are also placed after two or three centimeters.

The next step is planting seeds. They are carefully poured into the prepared furrows, you can pour the seeds from a sheet of paper folded in half, or lay them one by one with tweezers if there are few seeds.

The sown marigolds are sprinkled with soil on top (the layer should be about a centimeter thick), and then gently watered with water at room temperature so that the substrate layer covering the seeds does not wash away.

When the marigolds are planted, the container with them must be covered with a transparent lid (a sheet of plexiglass or plastic is suitable), and left in a bright place where the temperature is in the range of fifteen to twenty degrees (a window sill is perfect). It is important to ensure that the soil is always slightly moist - check this daily and, if necessary, carefully water the seedlings. After six to seven days, the first sprouts will hatch.

When the sprouts appear from the substrate, you need to ventilate the container daily by removing the lid. Otherwise, the marigolds will rot or get sick.

Important point! If mold or rot is found in the planting, you need to quickly remove the affected sprouts, and also replace the soil in the top layer of the container.

After the sprouts have risen a couple of centimeters, the lid can be removed from the container. From now on, seedlings are watered only when the soil substrate is completely dry. Once a week, you can apply any liquid fertilizer for flower seedlings (for example, Mortar).

Another important step is the picking (separation, seating) of seedlings. Marigolds dive when each sprout has acquired two or three full-fledged leaves.

Mortar prices

Mortar

Picking marigolds

Before planting seedlings, you need to prepare the appropriate containers. You can use separate cups, you can dive marigolds into flat plastic seedling boxes. The soil mixture used is exactly the same as for planting seeds: peat, sand and humus. For enhanced growth, fertilizer containing wood ash, potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen can be added to the soil.

Marigold sprouts are carefully removed and transplanted, deepening by one to one and a half centimeters. If the root system of the seedling is highly developed, the roots can be shortened - the flower tolerates this procedure well.

After picking, the marigolds are watered lightly. If at the same time the soil is a little washed out, you need to add more soil. Next, the seedlings are watered as the substrate dries.

Important point! No need to be zealous with watering. In the case of marigolds, it is better to underfill and dry the sprouts a little, rather than pour water.

Transferring marigold seedlings to the ground

A couple of weeks before planting (late May - early June, depending on the weather), you need to "accustom" the seedlings to the air. To do this, boxes with marigolds are taken out into the street when the temperature is confidently kept at a mark of at least fifteen degrees. Containers should be placed in a sunny place or where the shadow does not last long.

When the flowers adapt, you can start planting. The land where the marigolds will grow is carefully dug up. The only requirement of tagetes for the soil is its breathability. After preparing the holes, digging them at a distance of fifteen to twenty centimeters from each other.

The depth of the hole should correspond to the size of the root system of the seedling, taking into account the fact that the stem must also be deepened by a couple of centimeters.

When all the flowers are planted, you need to carefully shed them from the watering can. Even if the seedlings have already bloomed, they are not afraid of watering the buds and leaves, just like rain. All that needs to be done further for care is to water the flower bed when the soil dries up, and also regularly loosen the ground.

Summarizing

As we already mentioned, marigolds will bloom all summer, delighting with lush bright flowers. Accordingly, by the end of August, you need to prepare for the new season, and collect seeds in advance if the sowing of marigolds is planned for next year. If you want to collect flowers for the preparation of a medicinal tincture or spice, you need to pluck them still fresh in order to gently dry them.

Video - Growing marigolds