Marigolds
Dannette Hunnel
Marigolds are a good flower choice for Sun Lakes summers. These plants are native to Southwestern USA and Northern Mexico, as well as plentiful and highly valued in India; therefore, it’s well known that marigolds are well-suited to desert and arid regions.
Marigolds are bold, bright, and very interesting flowers, having symbolic meanings in many cultures around the world. The end of April is the time to get them planted and established in Sun Lakes. Marigolds can take full sun exposure, and because they deter pests and diseases, they are excellent for both vegetable and flower gardens. Marigolds are relatively low-maintenance plants, requiring minimal care once established. Low-maintenance and chase pests away? Who doesn’t like that? No pruning is necessary either!
If you are someone who takes short reprieves to escape summer heat, rest assured your marigolds will be fine on a sprinkler system (or daily attention from a good friend or neighbor). A short watering five to six minutes in the morning and again in the evening should keep them happy. Fewer minutes of watering are required if the marigolds get afternoon shade. Marigolds bloom throughout the summer and fall, providing us with a long period of color. Nobody enjoys the bland landscape of summer, so the bright colors are welcome.
To plant marigolds, place seeds or small starter plants directly into the ground. No fertilizer is necessary! Instead, try used coffee grounds! The grounds help to maintain and improve the moisture in the soil and act as a slow-release fertilizer, slightly increasing acidity. Coffee grounds can help suppress weeds in the garden, and pests don’t like them. Yay! Coffee grounds also attract earthworms, which are beneficial for soil health (bonus!). Use the grounds in moderation by mixing them into the soil around the marigolds. Cover with a layer of wood chips or compost. When watering, wet only the soil and try not to spray heavily from the top to avoid snapping the flower head.
Interesting fact: Marigolds are the herbal organic substance used in the ointment calendula for skin irritations. The word calendula came from the Latin word “Kalendae,” meaning “first day of the month” or “little calendar,” as marigolds were thought to bloom at the start of each month.
Enjoy these orange, daisy-like blooms for a pop of color all summer.