Don’t feel much like smiling?  Take a look at a bed of  marigolds and see what happens?   We decided to share this fabulous display of marigolds, seen growing at Hope Gardens. Hope it adds to your Sunday cheer.    But there is more to marigold’s charm than mere good looks.   Marigolds are useful as insect repellants, treatments for cuts and bruises,  in floral arrangements, salads, cosmetics, and the list goes on!   Two types of marigolds are pictured here -  African marigolds, and French marigolds.  Although, why these two nations would claim them, when marigolds originated in Central America, is a mystery to me.

Most marigolds available on the market today are hybrids.  African marigolds have very large flower heads, up to 5 inches across, in shades of orange and yellow.   What French marigolds lack in size, they more than make up for in colour, with exciting combinations of yellow, orange, rust and brown.   French marigolds tolerate wet feet better than their larger relative.  Both types look great in massed plantings, in borders or in containers.  Choose  the type that best complement your space – whether large, small or in-between.

Marigolds are a cinch to grow.   Start them off directly from seed, or from seedlings.  Plant them in rich, well drained soil, in full sun or partial shade.  Keep soil evenly moist, not wet, fertilize plants once per month with a general purpose fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20), and  marigolds will start producing beautiful flowers in as little as 45 days.   Add mulch to  retain moisture and suppress weeds, and your job will be made even easier.  Dead head old blooms, both  for appearance, and for a longer blooming season.

Did you know?    The pungent odour of marigold leaves have insect repelling powers.  Among insects reported to be repelled by marigold are Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, thrips, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies.   One pest not repelled is the slug,  which thinks nothing of making a meal of marigold.    Marigold also has below ground action, as they’ve been proven  to repel root knot nematodes that attack tomatoes, potatoes, and roses, and strawberries. If you suspect root knot nematodes, plant some French marigolds, turn them under at the end of the blooming season, and cleanse your soil of these undesirable pests.