Marvelous Marigolds

The Marigold is sure to delight with it’s bright splash of colour and versatility. You can make a bold statement by putting a large grouping of colour together or use individual plants to accentuate and draw the eye to certain parts of the garden.

The flowers range from yellow through oranges and deep bronze reds, with a bushy foliage in light green. Growing your marigolds in full sun and pinching out early buds is an excellent way to encourage more blooms on the plants.

When planting choose a loose friable loam well fertilised and with plenty of organic matter. Space plants 20cm apart and keep in mind that their shallow root system means they need to be regularly watered.

Marigolds are not just a pretty face, they are also an excellent addition to the Vegetable garden. The plants will repel insects and the roots discourage nematodes which are a microscopic worm found in the soil, making the Marigold excellent for companion planting.

To add one last thing to the versatility of this wonderful plant the petals and leaves are edible. The petals which have a slightly bitter, earthy flavour are used as a garnish in salads and cooked into soups and cakes. It works well together with tarragon, garlic and chilli. Just keep in mind to avoid plants that have been sprayed with pesticides of course!

On a final note with so many different types of Marigolds out there it is a good idea to have a chat with your local garden centre and get some expert advice on which type would suit your needs best or perhaps you have room in your garden for them all!