How to Care for a Miniature Marigold

One of the nicest things about Tagetes, or marigolds, is that the minimal care requirements are similar for nearly all of the different sizes. Some types may reach 48 inches tall, towering well above the miniature darlings of the marigold family. These dwarf beauties are available in many varieties, may be 6 to 12 inches tall, and tend to grow into thick, bushy plants. Flowers may be single or double, and some of the miniature marigolds produce profusions of large, full, mumlike blooms from early summer until frost. The easiest way to grow any marigold is to purchase them as seedlings at planting time.

Compost
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a fertile, well-draining area located in full sun for your miniature marigolds. Work a 1- to 2-inch layer of compost into the top 2 inches of soil. No other fertilizer is needed.
- 2
  Plant miniature marigold seedlings six to 12 inches apart, depending upon variety.
- 3
  Water the site thoroughly to evenly moisten the soil, but don't soak it to the point of being wet or soggy. Keep seedlings moist but not wet for a couple of weeks, until they're established. Thereafter, water only once weekly if there hasn't been any rain, or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 4
  Spread a layer of mulch when seedlings are several inches tall. This helps retain moisture and goes a long way toward weed control.
- 5
  Cut marigold blooming stems freely to enjoy miniature indoor arrangements throughout the season.
- 6
  Deadhead spent blooms on your miniature marigold plants throughout the season. This promotes continued flowering and keeps the plants looking tidy.

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