Low Growing Marigold 'Gitana Orange'

Marigold seeds require no prior treatment. How to Sow Sow under glass - March-April. Sow in the garden - end April-June.

Starting in March it is easiest to sow in a propagator on the windowsill or a cold frame. Plant one seed per pot and cover with 1 cm of compost. Sprinkle with water and the heat will do the rest. Plant out from mid May. If you want to slow their growth place in a cooler bright spot.

Sow in the garden in full sun from the end of April all the way to the end of June. Loosen the soil with a fork to at least 30 cm deep. Plant one seed per hole - draw a furrow if you want them in a straight row and plant at 15 cm intervals. Label each row. Cover with 1 cm soil, press carefully down then sprinkle with water. Extra rows can be planted at 30 cm apart.

Seedlings will die in a frost so protect them with garden fleece if frost is forecast.

The seeds will germinate within 10-14 days.

Water extra in dry periods. Keep the bed free of weeds and the marigolds will thrive. They require little or no maintenance but do not like their 'feet' wet. Poor soil should not be a problem for them. They will flower from June onwards until the first signs of frost. Deadhead regularly to encourage reflowering. Harvesting Although most people grow marigolds essentially for the flowers, or to help in organic production of other plants, you should know that it is also possible to eat the flowers.

Harvest the flowers as long as the plant is growing - just snip them off with a pair of scissors.

Marigolds are annual herbs and grow to 30-40 cm. Seeds often survive a winter and then you can expect new seedlings in the spring. This plant is originally from the Mediterranean regions.

There is a reason for planting marigolds in the vegetable garden! The roots have an element that soil insects really dislike. They will definitely keep the common asparagus beetle and white fly away! Marigolds themselves are very tasty to caterpillars and green fly but that is the point - they then do not bother the vegetables in your kitchen garden! Your marigolds act as a trap. This is the reason that this plant is frequently used as a help in organic gardening.