How to Grow French Marigold? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Planting Methods

French marigold, also known as dwarf marigold, red-and-yellow flower, western marigold, stinking chrysanthemum, satin flower and so on, is an annual herbaceous plant of the genus Tagetes in the Asteraceae family, native to Mexico, and is often cultivated in gardens throughout China. It has become naturalized in central and northwestern Yunnan, central and southwestern Sichuan, and western Guizhou. Now let us take a look at how to grow French marigold!

Growth Habits of French Marigold

French marigold grows on hillside grasslands and in forests at an altitude of 750-1600 m, or is cultivated in gardens. It loves sunlight, but can also bloom when planted in semi-shade. It is not demanding about soil, tolerates transplanting, grows rapidly, and is very easy to cultivate and manage. Seeds that fall on the ground can grow on their own under suitable temperature and humidity conditions, making it a flower with very strong adaptability.

Propagation Methods of French Marigold

1. Seed propagation: French marigold is propagated by sowing from November to March. Those sown in winter and spring bloom from March to May. Sowing can be done directly in the garden or in pots. After sowing in pots, seedlings can be dug out and planted into pots about 1 month later.

2. Cutting propagation: For cutting propagation of French marigold, from June to August, cut tender branches about 10 cm long and insert them directly into the garden with shade coverage; they grow rapidly, and can also be inserted directly into flower pots. Those propagated by cuttings in summer and autumn bloom from August to December. Whether inserted in the ground or in a cutting bed (pot), the cuttings can survive.

Planting Methods of French Marigold

1. Transplanting into pots: French marigold raised in plug trays should be transplanted into pots when it grows to 2-3 pairs of true leaves. In Zhejiang, most people habitually use 12 cm diameter nutrient pots, planting it into the pot in one step without another repotting. If sowing is done in open seedling trays, then thin sowing is required, and at 2-3 pairs of true leaves, transplant the seedlings directly into pots.

2. Light regulation: French marigold is a sun-loving plant, and both growth and flowering require ample sunlight. Sufficient light also helps prevent the plants from becoming leggy. However, in our province from July to September, direct sunlight should be avoided, and shading and cooling are needed around noon.

3. Temperature control: After French marigold is planted into pots, the temperature can be lowered from 22°C to 18°C. After a few weeks, it can be lowered to 15°C, and before and after flowering it can go as low as 12-14°C. This temperature is ideal for forming a good plant shape, but in actual production it may be difficult to achieve these conditions. Therefore, generally speaking, as long as it is above 5°C it will not suffer freeze damage, and it can grow well between 10-30°C.

4. Water management: The key to water management for French marigold is to use a well-drained medium. Although keeping the medium moist is important, proper drying before each watering is necessary. Of course, the medium must not be allowed to become so dry that the plants wither.

5. Fertilization method: For French marigold cultivated entirely in artificial medium, fertilization should use 20-10-20 and 14-0-14 fertilizers, applied alternately at a concentration of 200-250 ppm once every 7-10 days. When the winter temperature is relatively low, reduce the use of 20-10-20 fertilizer. If the medium is ordinary soil, then a compound fertilizer can be mixed in an appropriate amount as a base fertilizer before potting. If fertility is insufficient, then apply a water-soluble fertilizer as a top dressing.

6. Pest and disease control: Common diseases of French marigold include brown spot and powdery mildew, which are fungal diseases. A good site should be chosen for cultivation, attention should be paid to drainage and irrigation, diseased plants and leaves should be removed, residual branches should be burned, and fungicides such as Xiufenning should be sprayed promptly.