Marigold Planting Methods: Seed Sowing and Seedling Raising, Water and Fertilizer, and Key Points for Pest and Disease Control
Marigold, also known as French marigold, Yangmei chrysanthemum, stinking marigold, and red-yellow flower, originated in Mexico, Guatemala, and other places. It has bright flower colors and strong adaptability, and is a common ornamental flower on balconies and in courtyards. Growing it well is actually not difficult; the key is to master the following planting details.
Choose good soil and raise good seedlings
Marigold is drought-tolerant but not moisture-tolerant. When planting, give priority to loose, breathable, well-draining sandy soil so the root system is less likely to be damaged by suffocation. Its seeds have a relatively low germination rate; with ordinary sowing methods, the germination rate is only 10%-30%, so when cultivating it, it is best to first raise seedlings intensively in a box. The specific method is: spray the growing medium moist, sow the seeds directly on the soil surface, then cover with a layer of straw or newspaper, which can both shade light and keep the soil moist. During this period, water frequently and do not let the surface soil dry out. Generally, 2-5 days after sowing, the embryo buds will appear; after the seedlings emerge, remove the covering. Once the seedlings grow 5-6 true leaves, they can be planted into flower pots with a diameter of 29 cm.
Temperature, light, and water and fertilizer management
The suitable growth temperature for marigold is 15-25°C. It has a certain tolerance to low temperatures, and will not suffer freeze damage if the ambient temperature stays above 5°C, but winters in the north are relatively severe, so it is best to keep it indoors at a higher temperature. It also fears high temperatures; hot summer weather will slow the plant's growth rate and reduce the number of flowers, so it is necessary to cool it appropriately and increase humidity. In terms of light, marigold likes light. In spring and autumn, it is best to place it in a spot with direct sunlight, while in summer, avoid direct sunlight and provide appropriate shading around noon.
Watering should prevent waterlogging: during the rapid growth period, prevent excessively high humidity, and it is best to water after the soil has dried thoroughly, but do not let it become too dry, so as to avoid the plant withering and dying; in rainy seasons, avoid placing it outdoors to prevent water accumulation in the pot. For fertilizing, if grown in ordinary soil, compound fertilizer can be mixed into the soil as fertilizer; if grown in artificially synthesized nutrient soil, it is best to fertilize once every 5-10 days during the growth period, and when the temperature is below 18°C, it is best not to use ammonium nitrogen fertilizer.
Pruning, propagation, and pest and disease control
When marigold has lush branches and leaves, prune it appropriately; otherwise, poor ventilation can easily cause it to become stuffy and die. In midsummer, the number of flowers is relatively small, so this is a good time to carry out comprehensive pruning. Propagation methods are flexible, and both sowing and cuttings can be used.
The pH value of the soil directly affects the health of marigold. When the pH value is too low, necrotic spots will appear on the leaves. At this time, 0.4526 kg of lime can be added to 38 kg of water to adjust it. Common diseases include brown spot, powdery mildew, and others. Usually, pay attention to reasonable watering, promptly remove diseased leaves, and spray fungicides such as Xiufenning to effectively control them. Among insect pests, red spider mite is the most common. Once found, it can be sprayed with 20% dicofol emulsifiable concentrate at 500-600 times dilution. If these details are done well, marigold will grow robustly and bloom continuously.