Marigold Tagetes 'Zenith Red and Gold' (Zenith Series)

Water

Marigold 'Zenith Red and Gold' prefers moderate watering, being careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. It's best to water these plants when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once or twice a week depending on the climate and weather conditions. Use a watering can or a hose with a gentle spray setting to evenly moisten the soil. If the weather is particularly hot and dry, you might need to increase the frequency of watering. An estimated amount would be around 1 gallon per plant every week during the growing season, adjusted according to rainfall and temperature.

Light

Marigold 'Zenith Red and Gold' thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. A spot in the garden that receives unfiltered sunlight for most of the day would be ideal. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little light can lead to leggy plants and reduced flowering. For the best growth and flower production, always choose the sunniest spot available for your marigolds.

Temperature

Marigold 'Zenith Red and Gold' performs well in a wide range of temperatures but favors a climate where nighttime temperatures don't drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and daytime temperatures are between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, marigolds can tolerate higher temperatures without much issue, and they are relatively cold-hardy, surviving short-term dips down to about 32 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth and flowering, keep them within this preferred temperature range.

Pruning

Prune Marigold 'Zenith Red and Gold' to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done regularly to promote continuous flowering. Pinching back the tips of the plants when they are young will also foster a denser habit. Pruning is best performed in the late afternoon or evening to reduce stress on the plants.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Marigolds (Tagetes 'Zenith Red and Gold') thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal. Enriching the soil with compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer will support their vigorous growth and abundant flowering.

Repotting

Marigolds generally do not require frequent repotting. They are often grown as annuals, so repotting is only necessary if they become root-bound within their growing season. This might only be relevant if you start them indoors and then transplant them outside.

Humidity & Misting

Marigolds are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and do not require high humidity to thrive. Normal outdoor humidity levels are typically sufficient for these plants. Avoid overly humid conditions which can promote fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright sunlight and use well-draining potting mix.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun with good soil drainage after frost risk.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

Tagetes 'Zenith Red and Gold', commonly known as Marigold, begins its life cycle from seed, which upon germination, grows into a seedling with its first true leaves. As a juvenile, the marigold rapidly develops a root system and vegetative structures, eventually reaching maturity where it acquires its characteristic red and gold flower heads. During the flowering stage, marigolds attract pollinators, facilitating cross-pollination, although they are also capable of self-pollination. Following pollination, the flowers produce seeds, which mature within drying flower heads. As the plant senesces at the end of the growing season, it disperses seeds either by natural means or through human collection for the next planting cycle. If left uncollected, the seeds may fall to the ground, overwinter, and germinate the following spring to continue the cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The Tagetes 'Zenith Red and Gold', commonly known as the marigold from the Zenith Series, is typically propagated through seeds. The optimal time for sowing marigold seeds is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, usually from late March to May, depending on the local climate. To propagate marigolds using seeds, fill a tray or pot with a fine seed starting mix and lightly press the seeds into the soil, covering them with a thin layer, no more than 1/4 inch (about 6 mm), of the same mix. The tray should then be placed in a warm spot with good light but not direct sunlight and kept moist. Germination can be expected in a few days to two weeks. The seedlings should be thinned or transplanted to individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and then later moved outdoors once they have grown strong enough and the threat of frost has passed.