A touch of marigold magic

Easy to grow, and not just a pretty face – as pesky aphids will discover

This is the year of the marigold, according to Fleuroselect, the international organisation for ornamental plants, and why not? It’s a plant that deserves its spot in the limelight, and not just in 2018. The marigold has been around for centuries, is one of the easiest annuals to grow and rewards you with tonnes of colourful flowers throughout the summer.

Given its petite stature, it will find a place in the smallest of gardens, balconies or window boxes.

There are two types. First, the pot or common marigold, Calendula officinalis, which is a short-lived perennial and can be sown directly outside from March onwards, where you would like it to flower.

It’s not fussy about soil, but prefers full sunshine and is very quick to flower from sowing – in around two months.

The other type are the French and African marigolds (tagetes) – these hail from Mexico and are halfhardy annuals so they can only go outdoors after risk of frost is gone. To cultivate these you can sow seed from March onwards indoors. Plant seeds into single small modules or pots. They like a temperature of

21˚C to germinate

– a warm kitchen windowsill is ideal.

Gently acclimatise seedlings to the outdoors and transplant into their final position in May. If you’re not keen on