Marigold has gained popularity amongst gardeners and flower dealers on account of itseasy culture and wide adaptability.
What makes it special:
- One of the best attractive flowering plants.
- Low maintenance and fragrant flower plant.
- Perfect plant for edge or flower bed or pot culture purpose.
African marigold botanically known as Tagetes erecta with upright
growth habit with medium texture. In India marigold is one of the most
commonly grown flowers and used extensively on religious and social
functions in different forms.Flowers are sold in the market as loose or
as garlands.
Indian cultures used as a medicinal herb as well as a dye for fabrics,
foods and cosmetics. The petals added to dishes as a garnish.They can be
easily cultivated, are widely adaptable to varying soils and climatic
conditions and have a good flowering duration. This bushy plant with
around 20 to 30 species have a long flowering period and the colors
range from orange, yellow, gold, cream to apricot. They are very much
used in making garlands. Make excellent beds and pot decorations.
Plant Specifications
*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%
Planting and care
Refer our Garden Guide for detailed procedures and meanings of words related to gardening.
Light Requirement
At least 3-6 hours of preferably morning sunlight a day is ideal for
plant to grow well and natural direct bright light for the rest of the
day.
Soil
The soil should be well drained and fertile, rich in organic content for growing plant.
Watering
Poke your finger/plain small stick into the soil to check the moisture.
Apply 3 cup (Approx. 150 ml) water when top soil (1-2 inches) in pot feels dry to touch.
As rule of thumb, Water the plant thoroughly in the summer and reduce watering in winter and rainy season.
Do not over-water the plant.
Apply water preferably in morning or evening.
Application of Fertilizer
Loosen the topsoil without disturbing the roots of the plant so it can uptake the nutrients and moisture easily. .
During the main growing season feed the plant with organic fertilizer once a month (Oct-Jan).
Apply water immediately after application of fertilizer.
Re-potting
When a plant outgrows in current pot, re-pot with fresh potting soil and some fertilizer.
Do the re-potting late evening and keep the plant in shady area for 2
to 3 days and then move the plant in its suitable growing condition.
For re-potting procedure click here
Plant Protection
Remove dead, infected or damaged plant parts and dispose them away from the planting area.
Spray Neem, Eucalyptus or Citrus oil for any insect/pest attack, as a primary treatment.
Donts
Do not over water the plant especially when pot does not have drainage holes.
Avoid applying water on flowers and leaves it may cause fungus infection.
African Marigold care
Initial care for 1-2 weeks after receiving plant at your location:
Keep the plant in Natural indirect bright Light.
Poke your finger/plain small stick into the soil to check the moisture.
Apply 3 cup (Approx. 150 ml ) water when top soil (1-2 inches) in pot feels dry to touch.
Do not re-pot for min. 2 weeks after receiving it.
Key requirements to keep plant healthy:
African Marigold special feature
Due to its dwarf height and colorful flower marigold is especially
useful for decoration and included in landscape plans.Flowers are single
to fully double and large sized with globular heads.Flower varies from
lemon yellow to yellow, golden yellow or orange
African Marigold uses
Ornamental Use:
- It is used as the edge plant or bed plant or in pot culture
Medicinal Use:
- One of the health benefits of marigolds is that it is used in the
treatment of minor burns when used in the form of ointments or a
tincture
- Note: Use only after consulting the specialist
Culinary Use:
- The bright petals of signet marigolds add colour and a spicy tang to salads and other summer dishes
- The flower petals are sometimes cooked with rice to impart the colour (but unfortunately not the flavour) of saffron