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“The marigold abroad her leaves doth spread, because the sun and her power is the same,” wrote poet Henry Constable in a 1592 sonnet. The marigold has long been associated with the sun. African marigolds (Tagetes erecta), which are actually native to Mexico and Central America, were sacred to the Aztecs, who used them as a medicine and as a ceremonial offering to the sun gods.
Marigolds are still called the herb of the sun because of this. In Mexico, African marigolds are a traditional flower placed on altars on The Day of the Dead. Continue reading for more African marigold information.
Also called American marigolds or Aztec marigolds, African marigolds are annuals that bloom from early summer until frost. African marigolds are taller and more tolerant of hot, dry conditions than French marigolds. They also have larger flowers that can be up to 6 inches (15 cm.) in diameter.
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.
The scent of marigolds is said to deter these pests. Marigold roots also emit a substance that is toxic to harmful root nematodes. This toxin can stay in the soil for a few years.
Be careful when handling marigolds because some people can get skin irritations from the plant’s oils. While marigolds deter pests, they attract bees, butterflies, and ladybugs to the garden.
African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are beloved annual flowers known for their bright, cheery colors and ability to bloom nonstop even in hot weather. Their versatility and low-maintenance nature make them extremely popular in home gardens. Propagating your own marigold plants from cuttings is an easy, affordable way to create beautiful new flowers year after year. Follow these simple steps to propagate marigolds the right way.
When to Take Marigold Cuttings
Timing is important when collecting marigold cuttings for propagation Spring and early summer, when plants are actively growing, is the best time Avoid taking cuttings after mid-summer as they likely won’t root well. Also, only collect from healthy, established plants – not new seedlings.
Cuttings root best when taken from stems without flowers. If you must use a stem with flowers, remove the blooms and buds first. The energy normally used to produce flowers will instead promote root growth.
Selecting the Right Stem Cuttings
Choosing which stems to cut for marigold propagation matters. Look for stems showing vigorous new growth that are free from pest damage, mold, or other issues. The stem should snap cleanly when bent rather than bending limply, indicating turgid, flexible, and healthy tissue.
Trim stems just below a leaf node where new roots will emerge later. The cutting should be 3-6 inches long. Longer cuttings can be taken but remove the lower leaves so a few nodes are buried in the rooting medium.
Take several cuttings from different parts of the plant Having multiple cuttings boosts your chances of successful propagation Place cuttings in water immediately after cutting to preserve moisture,
Rooting Marigold Cuttings in Potting Mix
Rooting marigold cuttings in a pot filled with potting mix is a simple and effective approach. Just follow these steps:
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Fill a small pot with moist, well-draining potting mix.
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Using a pencil or stick, poke holes in the mix for the cuttings.
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Trim the bottom of each cutting at an angle before gently placing in a hole.
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Bury about 2/3 of each cutting in the mix, leaving some leaves exposed.
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Water gently to moisten the mix without dislodging cuttings.
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Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment.
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Place the pot in partial sun and keep the mix consistently moist.
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Check for root development in 2-3 weeks by gently tugging cuttings. Don’t disturb them once roots start growing.
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Harden off rooted cuttings by gradually exposing them to less humidity and more sun before transplanting.
Other Rooting Methods
In addition to potting mix, marigold cuttings can be rooted in:
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Perlite or vermiculite – Place cuttings in a tray of misted perlite/vermiculite under a plastic dome.
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Water – Suspend cuttings in jars/bottles of water until adequate roots form. Change water regularly.
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Sand – Stick cuttings upright in moist sand and cover with plastic. Must keep evenly moist.
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Soil – Directly plant cuttings outdoors in prepared garden soil. Water regularly and protect from harsh sun.
No matter the rooting medium, provide high humidity, moderate temperatures, and bright indirect light. Mist cuttings daily or cover with plastic to prevent drying out.
Transplanting Rooted Marigold Cuttings
Once marigold cuttings have developed a robust root system, it’s time to transplant them. Gradually expose plants to less humidity and more direct sun over 7-10 days to harden them off before transplanting. Transplant on a mild, cloudy day to minimize shock. Follow these tips for successful transplantation:
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Water cuttings well the day before and 2-3 hours before transplanting.
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Carefully loosen each cutting from its potting mix using a spoon or knife to keep roots intact.
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Plant in well-draining soil enriched with compost. Space 12-15 inches apart.
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Pinch back tops to encourage bushy, compact growth. Remove any flowers.
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Water transplants immediately, then regularly until established.
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Consider using a plant starter fertilizer to encourage strong growth after transplanting.
Proper aftercare ensures your propagated marigolds grow into lush, vibrant plants. They will bloom profusely all season long and self-seed for even more flowers next year. Enjoy these cheery flowers and propagate even more from your bountiful marigold patch.
How to Grow African Marigolds
African marigold plants propagate easily from seed started indoors four to six weeks before last frost date or sown directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds usually germinate in 4 to 14 days. African marigold plants can also be purchased at most garden centers in the spring.
★ How to Grow Marigolds from Seed (A Complete Step by Step Guide)
How do you propagate a marigold plant?
Water to keep the soil damp. After a few weeks, the roots should form. When they are well established, transfer each rooted cutting to its own pot. The popular marigold is not only an easy plant to care for but also an easy plant to propagate. Marigolds can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings.
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.
How do you plant African marigolds?
Choose an area that is sunny and protected from strong winds with well-draining, fertile soil. Plant African marigolds in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. You can sow seeds directly in the ground once the soil is warm or—even better—start them indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost.
How do you replant African marigolds?
Remove your African marigold from its environment, and remove any dead or dying plant parts with a sterile pair of shears or garden scissors. Replant in a location where the soil is more porous, or add grit or horticultural sand to the existing soil to improve drainage.