Growing marigolds with kids
Did you know you can eat marigolds? Add the petals to salads to make them bright and colourful. Marigolds are bright orange and yellow flowers - some look like daisies and some look like pom-poms. There are French marigolds, African Marigolds and 'Pot marigolds' (not really a marigold, but a plant called 'Calendula').
What you'll need:
• Packet of marigold seeds
• Container, window box or hanging basket
• Multi-purpose compost
Step 1: Choose where to plant them
• Marigolds aren't fussy, but like a warm, sunny spot.
• Grow marigolds near vegetables to keep pests away.
• If you're growing in the ground, remove any weeds and mix in some compost.
• If you're growing in containers, fill them with compost.
Step 2: Sow your seeds
Marigolds grow well in window boxes.
Image:
Paulay
• If you sow seeds from March to May, they'll flower from summer to autumn.
• Sprinkle the seeds on the ground or in containers.
• Cover with a thin layer of soil or compost.
• Gently water.
• Your plants will start growing in 1-2 weeks.
• They should be fully grown in 7-11 weeks.
Step 3: Care for your marigolds
Pot marigolds grow to 24-45cm tall.
Image:
mcajan
• If your plants are crowded when they strat to grow, thin them to about 30cm apart.
• Water your plants and keep the soil moist.
• Once they get going, marigolds will continue growing easily, even if you forget about them.
• 'Deadheading' - removing dead flowers - will keep them blooming longer.
• Protect your marigolds from frost - they don't like the cold.
Suggested varieties:
There's plenty more information in the downloadable guide . Print it out for more detailed instructions and even more marigold facts!
Click the image to download the full pdf guide