Marigold
Introduction
I grow marigolds for their flowers – they are easy to grow and provide a stunning array of colour in pots around the patio and garden. Some flowers of marigold are said to be edible, as are the young leaves, but I do not know anyone who actually eats them. I suggest checking the specific variety to grow if you intend to do this.
Planting
- Sow from late winter onwards
- Coldframe, polytunnel, or unheated greenhouse are all suitable locations for early sowings
- Sow outside when the weather warms in spring
- Alternatively, buy plants in the spring from retail outlets
Harvesting
- Flowers from July onwards (but check if the specific type of marigold is edible)
(inside)
(outside)
(fresh)
(stored)
= jar, 
= freeze, 
= store
Varieties
There are many varieties of marigold to choose from including:
- Pot marigolds
- French marigolds
- African marigolds
These come in a variety of colours and flower types.
The easy way for a gardener to organise their growing and discover gardening ideas.
Growing
I really enjoy growing marigolds. Germination is easy in spring as although the seeds require some protection (polytunnel or greenhouse), they do not require a heated propagator or sunny windowsill. However, the best part of growing marigolds are their flowers, offering a glorious display of yellow, orange, and red flowers all summer long.
As noted above, some types of marigold are edible, although I choose not to do this. Slugs and snails do not hold back, and in the wrong location, marigolds will be eaten. This is easier to control if growing marigolds in pots, especially if the pots are standing in trays which can be filled with water to provide a moat that predators cannot cross. Alternatively, a regular patrol at sunset can help a gardener spot and remove anything that may be eating their plants.