One of the first tricks I ever discovered in the kitchen garden, a trick that has brought me endless joy over the years, is something I like to call marigold magic. That is, saving marigold seeds so that one marigold plant becomes hundreds, then thousands.
I first found out about marigold magic back in 2008 or so when I was living in Charlottesville, Virginia, with my husband and four kids. Our neighbor grew thousands of gorgeous marigolds, and one day, when I told her how I admired their beauty every time I passed by on a walk, she said, “Well, help me spread the seeds.”
I didnt get it at first. I wasnt really into gardening yet, so she showed me.
She grabbed a dead flower from a plant, rubbed it between her fingers, and sprinkled the seeds around her little marigold patch like she was sprinkling magic pixie dust.
Each day, she would repeat this simple ritual, but otherwise, she did very little to tend her marigold patch. She told me to grab a dead flower whenever I walked by and do the same. Im thankful to her for showing me how we can spread garden magic to each other in the simplest ways.
So Ill sprinkle that magic onto you now with this step-by-step guide to saving marigold seeds.
African marigolds are such cheerful vibrant flowers that add pops of color to any garden. Their bright golden, orange, and yellow blooms seem to smile up at you! But if you’ve noticed your African marigold plants growing sideways instead of standing upright it likely means something is amiss.
In my experience gardening with marigolds there are a few key reasons why these plants start growing sideways and lose their natural upright shape. Read on to learn what causes African marigold flowers to grow sideways and how to get your plants standing tall again.
Common Causes of Sideways Growth in African Marigolds
Before we get into solutions, let’s go over what typically causes African marigold plants to start growing sideways or leaning over. Here are some of the most common culprits
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Insufficient sunlight – Marigolds are sun-loving plants. Without enough direct sun, at least 6 hours per day, they start reaching toward the light. This results in sideways growth.
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Overwatering – Too much moisture in the soil can lead to root rot. This damages the roots and makes the plant unstable and limp.
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Underwatering – On the flip side, not enough water causes stress and stunted growth. The plant may lean toward the sun.
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Nutrient deficiencies – Lack of nutrients like nitrogen leads to poor growth and difficulty remaining upright.
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Pests & diseases – Bugs and fungi damage the plant’s stems and structure leading to sideways tilting.
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Incorrect planting – Planting too shallow or deep disrupts the roots, leading to leaning marigolds.
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Wind damage – Strong winds can blow tender marigold stems over to the side.
Paying attention to proper care and environmental factors will help minimize sideways growth. But even healthy marigolds can sometimes lean over eventually.
7 Tips to Fix Sideways African Marigolds
If your previously upright African marigold plants have started to tilt, bend, or lean sideways, use these methods to get them standing tall again:
1. Check the Lighting
Make sure your marigold is planted in a spot receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Anything less can cause side growth toward sunlight. Relocate the plant or trim back any branches or foliage blocking light.
2. Improve Watering Habits
Overwatering encourages shallow roots and soil-borne diseases. Underwatering causes drought stress. Both lead to sideways growth. Maintain moist but not soaked soil.
3. Address Nutrient Deficiencies
Apply a balanced, blooming plant fertilizer to provide nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients marigolds need for robust growth. Follow package directions carefully.
4. Rule Out Pests and Diseases
Inspect for signs of pests like whiteflies, aphids, or caterpillars. Look for powdery mildew and other fungal diseases too. Take action if found. Maintain garden cleanliness.
5. Check Planting Depth
Ensure marigolds are planted at the same soil level as their nursery pots. Planting too deep or shallow stresses roots leading to leaning.
6. Stake Plants
Insert stakes around newly planted marigolds. As they grow, use plant ties to gently secure leaning stems to stakes for support.
7. Selectively Prune
Strategically pinch or cut back extra leggy parts of marigolds growing sideways to encourage bushier upright growth. Avoid over-pruning.
Be Diligent About Ongoing Care
Bear in mind that fixing existing sideways growth takes time and consistency. But preventing future issues relies on proper ongoing care:
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Continue providing abundant sunlight.
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Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil is dry.
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Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
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Scout for pests and treat promptly.
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Shelter plants from strong winds.
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Pinch back leggy parts early to encourage bushy form.
With a little TLC, you can get your leaning African marigolds back on track! Just have patience as you help them regain their beautiful upright shape.
Enjoy Gorgeous Upright African Marigolds
One of the joys of growing African marigolds is seeing those cheerful faces nodding in the sun. So take steps to ensure your plants stand tall and proud all season long. Identify the causes of sideways growth, and correct any care issues promptly. With a bit of time and attention, you can get your marigolds looking lovely again.
Where do marigold seeds come from?
Each plant forms flower heads with petals, and these heads turn into the pods that will contain the seeds. Once the flower heads are dry, you can pull off the petals to reveal the seeds inside, packed together like arrows in a quiver. Marigolds are super generous with their seeds, with each marigold pod producing around 30 to 35 seeds.
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Why YOU Should Plant Marigolds. EVERYWHERE.
FAQ
What do overwatered marigolds look like?
How do you know if marigolds are overwatered?
How often should you water African marigolds?
Should I pinch back my African marigold plants?
Pinching back your African marigold plants can be done several times throughout the growing season for even more bushy growth. However, it’s important not to overdo it as too much pruning can weaken the plant and decrease flower production. In addition to pinching back your African marigold plants, proper care is essential for healthy growth.
Are African marigolds annuals?
African Marigolds are annual plants, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season. They are relatively easy to grow and are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, though they prefer well-drained soil and full sun. They can tolerate hot and dry conditions but also appreciate regular watering, especially during dry spells.
Do African marigolds grow well if deadheaded?
If deadheaded regularly, African marigold plants will usually produce many large blooms. They grow best in full sun and actually seem to prefer poor soil. Growing African marigolds or French marigolds around vegetable gardens to repel harmful insects, rabbits, and deer is a gardening habit that goes back for centuries.
Do African marigolds grow bushier?
However, if you want your African marigolds to grow bushier and fuller, you need to know how to pinch back the plants. Pinching back your African marigold plants is a simple process that can encourage bushier growth. The idea behind pinching back is to remove the growing tip of the plant, which stimulates branching and encourages lateral growth.