Marigolds
Tagetes patula
Marigolds conjure up memories of cheery orange and golden blooms that
last throughout the summer and are a staple in all old-fashioned gardens.
Whether planted in containers, used in masses in annual beds, tucked between
perennials, or planted between the rows in vegetable gardens, marigolds
remain one of the best sources of long-lasting summer color.
Marigolds present many choices for use in the garden, because they come
in so many heights, flower shapes and colors. Heights range from six inches
to three feet. Flower shapes vary from single to frilled, to massive round
balls. Many shades of yellow and gold, orange, ivory, mahogany and bicolor
blooms are available.
The African marigolds contain the tallest varieties. They're the ones
with the large pompon-type flowers, but some plants can be as short as
twelve inches. The French marigolds consist of the more dwarf varieties,
growing to a height of six to twelve inches. Many choices are available,
with both single and double flowers. Lemon Gem and Golden Gem are varieties
of a species of marigold that produce a profusion of very tiny single flowers
on bushy plants. The foliage is very fern-like and is more pleasantly scented
than any other marigold.
Marigolds can take lots of heat and full sun. They like well-drained
soil and moist, but not wet, conditions. To keep them blooming all summer,
remove spent blossoms. Seeds are easy to plant, bloom almost immediately,
and can reseed themselves.
These plants have very few pest or disease problems. Spider mites can
occur during hot, dry weather, but squirting the foliage with water often
can wash them away. Aster yellows is a viral disease that distorts the
shape of the leaves and flowers, and turns the plants yellow. The virus
is spread by leaf-sucking leaf hoppers that are difficult to control. Destroy
and remove affected plants, but don't add them to the compost pile.
Consider the marigold when browsing through nurseries or catalogs for
bedding plants. There's a reason they've been around so long!
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