A colorful flower adored by the vegetable gardener, Marigold make an excellent addition to the garden as they are known to keep pests and animals away from your crops. Their bright yellow and orange blooms and long growing season also make them a popular choice for flower beds, window boxes and landscape borders. Medicinally, they are known to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Culturally, marigolds are used as a symbol in Mexico for the celebrated “Dia De Los Muertos” or the Day of the Dead, which traditionally takes place in the first few days of November each year. On this day, families use marigold petals to create a path to their family altars that is said to help guide the spirits of their loved ones back home.
Growing Marigold in GardenSoxx® | Plant Family: Asteraceae
How to Grow Marigold in Your GardenSoxx®
Marigolds are relatively quick to grow from seed (about 8 weeks) and so can be sown directly outdoors at the beginning of spring. Alternatively, you can often purchase seedlings for transplant at any garden center once the season has begun. While marigolds are great for garden beds and borders, using them as a companion plant next to herbs and vegetables will help to deter pests both above and below the soil.
Marigolds can be placed in full sun or partial shade and while they do not require dead-heading, doing so can help them to grow more full and produce more flower heads over the growing season. They make excellent cut flowers for indoor arrangements as they will last for several weeks if their water is changed often.
