Very few of us actually know that the flower was brought to the land some three centuries ago by Spanish and Portuguese traders and ever since it has been a symbol of worship and celebrations in every Indian household. Because of its popularity, it is one of the most widely grown in the floriculture industry almost all through the year. Commercial growers encash it’s popular demand and phool mandis or flower markets are mostly overloaded with marigold flowers and garlands every morning.

Traditional love and attachment for this easy growing seasonal is favourite for home gardeners too. Marigolds are not only  grown for their beauty but also as an ideal companion plants as they not only attract pollinators but  also guard your plants from white flies and other pests. Among many varieties, French Marigolds (Tagetes patula) and African Marigolds (Tagetes erecta) have a more pungent scent but are still technically edible and used in teas, salads and garnish.

Tips to Grow Marigolds

• Autumn is a great time to start Marigolds with seeds or saplings and are generally ready to bloom within 45-60 days
• Sow the seeds in cocopeat and compost mixture. For transplanting saplings make a soil mix of soil, peat and compost.
• Select a bright sunny spot to get great flowering though saplings can be made ready in semi shade
• Once your saplings settle, you may pinch them frequently to make them bushy
• If you see early buds in small plants pinch them too.
• Add a little phosphorous booster like bone meal after the plant has attained good bushy growth.
• Marigold enzyme spray could further improve flower quality and quantity.
• Keep a check on dried flowers. Keep clearing them by snipping them off which will give you repeated flowering to enjoy till late spring
• Never throw away the spent flowers. Dry them to collect seeds, add them to compost or make enzyme as it’s the best one to enhance flowering as well as acts as pest repellant.