How to Grow & Care for African Marigolds Tagetes Erecta

Planting and Spacing

• Plant African marigold seedlings out in the garden in spring after all chance of frost has passed. To create an even, full look, space each plant 18 inches apart. Pick a spot in full sun. Marigolds are not picky when it comes to soil, but they need sun to put on a good show of flowers. Any sandy, loamy or clay soil works well for African marigolds, just avoid wet waterlogged areas. Amending the soil prior to planting isn't necessary for good growth.

Growing Season Care

• Provide regular moisture to keep African Marigolds flourishing. Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch. When it comes to feeding your plants, skip it. African marigolds do not require fertilizer. In fact, this hardy plant grows better without fertilizer even in poor soil conditions. To keep your African marigolds blooming well, cut off dead flowers through the blooming season. You can pinch the flower from the stalk using your fingernails, or cut it with a pair of pruning shears.

Staking and Support

• African marigolds are one of the few marigold varieties that require support. The height and size of the flowers can cause the plants to bend and droop. Select a dowel or a cutting from woody garden pruning to use as support. Drive the stake into the soil about 1 foot deep at the base of the plant. Using garden twine, loosely tie the stem of the plant to the support about two-thirds of the way up the stalk.

Pests

• Mexican marigolds rarely suffer from pests but there are a few to watch out for. Keep an eye out for spider mites, tiny insects that form large groups on the underside of the leaves, and spittlebugs, small brown bugs that create a spit wad on plant leaves and flowers. Keep African marigolds well watered to reduce spider mite infestations. A ready-mixed insecticidal soap, sprayed directly on the infested area, will help eliminate spider mites. The best way to get rid of spittlebugs is to wash them off with water or hand pick the insects.

Diseases

• Watch out for diseases including gray mold, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. With most diseases, prevention is always more effective than finding a cure. Planting marigolds in full sun helps prevent disease. Leaving enough space between plants, about 18 inches for these large marigolds, allows air circulation and cuts down on problems. Once affected, plants may survive, but it is difficult to eliminate the disease.

Container Growing

• If you are growing African marigolds in containers, the plants benefit from a weekly fertilizing. In containers, plants have limited access to natural nutrients in the soil requiring additional fertilizers where in-ground plants can thrive without. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted at a rate of 1/2 tsp. in 6 cups of water. Apply the fertilizer once a week directly to the soil in the container. Water when the soil starts to dry out, and be sure to check pots daily in hot, dry weather.