All homeowners and seasoned gardeners feel the need to revamp, manicure and style up their lawns, gardens and landscape each spring. If you share such desires and impulses, you should know that marigolds are all the rage right now. Marigolds are resilient to weather conditions, weeds and pest and they especially love hot weather, well-drained soils and space to unfold their beauty and their magical powers, so why not revamp your property this year with yellow, gold, copper, brass or orange marigolds? Today, our lawn care Deland, FL specialists are here to offer you a quick guide on the plantation and maintenance of marigolds.

Have You Decided What Marigolds to Plant this Year?

Not many people know, but there are over 50 types of different marigolds out there. However, they can be traced back to three major varieties:

  • The Americans: They love hot and dry climates, are tall, upright, scented and their color ranges from sunny yellow to dark brass. You should plant them in early spring as they need some time to mature.
  • The French: These ladies are petite (wider than taller), elegant like all French girls, rather demure in looks, with eye-catching vibrant colors and a subtle aroma.
  • The Signets: They thrive in rocky, dry and warm sites and make a perfect edging addition to your garden; they are edible as well (the flowers) and make interesting seasoning for summer salads.

Both Signets and French can be planted all throughout summer and all marigolds act as pest repellents in the vegetable garden as they keep maggots and other insects away from your cabbage, tomatoes, and other veggies.

What Else Should You Know about Planting and Caring for Marigolds?

Our lawn care Deland, FL specialists recommend you to plant marigolds in moderately fertile soils which are well drained, well dug and free from rocks. You should loosen up the soil a bit and plant the marigolds in holes of 6 inch depth. They also have some extra tips, tricks and advice for you:

  • If you want your American marigolds to grow tall, bountiful and upright, add some granular fertilizers or organic amendments in the planting holes.
  • As we said, marigolds need some personal space, so plant the French and the Signets 8 to 10 inches apart, and the Americans at least 10 to 12 inches apart.
  • Water each planted flower thoroughly after the planting.
  • Water marigolds in full heat and always at the base of the plant.
  • When the spent blossoms of Americans are clipped, the flowers will bloom again.
  • In their early growth stage, marigolds shouldn’t be fertilized as they will have more foliage than flowers and that would be a shame.
  • Instead of over-watering or over-fertilizing them, give marigolds a good layer of organic mulch to stay safe from heat, weeds and pests.
  • In case you see aphids or mites attacking your marigolds, talk to your local lawn care Deland, FL experts to solve the problem. Marigolds are rather safe from pests and such issues get solved with basic pest control organic measures.

Marigolds have been stereotyped, but they do make amazing additions to any front lawn, landscape and vegetable gardens (especially in organic, sustainable ones) and this year they are designers’ and lawn care Deland, FL specialists’ favorites.