Marigolds are annual flowers in various colors, including yellow, orange, and red. Growing them from seeds is easy; they make a great addition to flower gardens. A well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight are essential for marigolds to grow. Fertilizing marigolds requires consideration of several factors.
The first thing is to decide what type of fertilizer you will use for marigolds. Generally, there are three types: organic, synthetic chemical, and mineral. Compost, manure, cottonseed meal, and blood meal are organic fertilizers derived from plants or animals. Minerals and chemicals are the only ingredients in synthetic chemical fertilizers. Inorganic compounds such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium make up mineral fertilizers.
Best Fertilizer for Marigolds
Signs Your Marigold is Lacking Nutrients
Determining whether your plants lack nutrients can be challenging because so many factors are involved. There are many possible causes of poor plant performance, such as poor soil, incorrect positioning, inadequate drainage, and insect damage. You can, however, identify nutrient deficiencies in Marigolds by carefully examining them and eliminating those that do not exist. The following are the common signs of nutrient deficiencies:
- Stringy and sparse foliage
- Twisted or misshaped leaves
- Yellow leaves or brown and yellow spots on leaves
- Leaves turning purple or red
- Lack of flowers
- Pest and disease problems
A lack of sun is usually the cause of your Marigolds’ poor flowering. However, it could also be caused by phosphorus deficiency. The lack of flowering may be due to nutrient problems (see our guide to marigold light requirements) if they are well-positioned in the sun. The purple underside of the leaves of marigolds can also detect phosphorus deficiency. The lack of flowers and purple leaves strongly indicates phosphorus deficiency in your elimination process. Fertilizers should be applied after eliminating the other signs to eliminate potential problems.
The Best Fertilizer for Marigold Plants
For marigold flowers to grow successfully, knowing what fertilizer to use is essential. You can ensure your flower gets all the nutrients it needs by fertilizing it. Fertilizers come in many forms, and some are more effective than others. Research the benefits of each type of fertilizer and when to use it before choosing a fertilizer for your marigold flower. Some fertilizers contain more nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium than others.
For powering blooms, liquid fertilizers work better than granular ones. Even though granular fertilizers provide a steady power supply to plants, they are often too slow to promote strong blooms regularly. Granular fertilizers require more time for nutrients to be absorbed into plants. The power of granular fertilizers is leached into the roots as moisture hits them.
Continuous blooms are not possible with this method. It’s ideal for steady, slow growth but won’t power continuous growth. On the other hand, liquid fertilizers work quite quickly. They are already in liquid form and can absorb directly into the soil. Furthermore, liquid fertilizers absorb the stems and foliage of plants as well.
Your specific garden and plants will determine which NPK ratio you choose. NPK ratios of 12-12-12, providing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are a good place to start. Try an NPK ratio of 14-7-7 if you are growing taller marigolds that require more nitrogen. A 10-30-20 NPK ratio for smaller plants or bushier ones may be better. Ultimately, it is best to experiment with various ratios.
Marigold Fertilization: When and How Often Should it Be Done?
Most Marigold varieties don’t care about soil but grow best in rich, well-draining soil. Overfertilized marigolds grow foliage rather than flowers, so feed only when necessary – generally in poor soil. Plant marigolds as soon as the soil warms up after the last frost date. The soil should be amended with enough organic compost before planting. As the plant matures, supplement the soil with a slow-release fertilizer if it severely lacks nutrients.
In case you missed it: How to Grow Marigold in Greenhouse: A Step-By-Step Guide for Seed to Harvest
It is unlikely that your Marigolds will need more fertilizer than that. Apply a dose of granular fertilizer before or just after flowering begins if you see they aren’t performing as well as you’d hoped. It is best not to feed your Marigolds with nitrogen-rich fertilizers, as this will grow lush foliage over the flowers. For best results, use a fertilizer designed for flowering.
How to Apply Fertilizer to Marigold Plants
Throughout the growing season, fertilize container marigolds every six weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer for blooming plants. Winter is not the time to fertilize perennial marigolds. After you set out your garden marigolds in early spring, feed them a slow-release granular 11-40-6 fertilizer. In early spring, feed perennial marigolds after the last frost and before new growth emerges. The amount to be used per plant should be about a teaspoon. Over the root zone, sprinkle the product on the soil.
Make sure it is thoroughly soaked in. Marigolds should not be overfed. If too much fertilizer is used on plants, the foliage flushes will become lush, and flowering will be reduced. As directed on the packaging, follow the instructions. Garden marigolds should be fertilized again in June or July with granular fertilizer. The material should be spread between each plant about one teaspoon at a time. Some marigold varieties are less likely to flower when it gets hot in the summer. They can be perked up and encouraged to bloom again with fertilizer.
Key Considerations While Fertilizing Marigold Plants
- There is little fertilizer demand for marigolds, and they will survive (and even flourish) without much attention. However, additional fertilizer may be necessary under certain circumstances.
- Avoid overfertilizing, particularly with nitrogen, as it promotes soft leafy growth and inhibits flowering. Powdery mildew will be encouraged by excessive soft leafy growth, especially when too much moisture is present. Also, remember to cut back marigolds at the end of the flowering season.
- When cut or handled, marigolds can produce sap. If the sap comes into contact with exposed skin, it can cause irritation. Always wear gloves when handling marigolds.
In case you missed it: Top 8 Simple Steps to Germinate Marigold Seeds
Conclusion
Despite their reliability in many different conditions, marigolds grow quickly and without much fuss. However, even the hardiest plants will thrive and grow better if given the necessary conditions and fertilizer. Although Marigolds are not demanding, they will benefit from an organic amendment when planting and a light application of NPK 5-10-5 fertilizer. By following the packaging strictly, you can avoid overfertilizing.
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