Tagetes – a popular flower with a shameful smell.  When to sow marigolds?

Tagetes – a popular flower with a shameful smell. When to sow marigolds?

Turki flowers – characteristics and species

turki, or in other words marigolds (although they also have many other names), belong to the Asteraceae family. Some terms, such as smelly flowers, allude to the unpleasant odor their leaves give off. Their generic name, that is Tagetes L.., it connects with Tages, the Etruscan god of wisdom. Their scent repels some insects, as well as moles and voles. If the tagetes becomes a frequent guest in your garden, it will be effective in combating soil nematodes. This is why the essential oil obtained from this is used in horticulture.

Tagetes. Illustrative photo Shutterstock

The tagetes came to our neighborhood from Africa and America. It is an annual plant, often appearing on balconies, city squares and gardens. Their flowers appear in summer and last until late autumn. It has over fifty different species, and these fall into numerous varieties. Among the most popular species of this are the erected marigold, the scattered marigold and the narrow-leaved marigold.

Tagetes raised: a flower that is perfect for a bouquet

The Tagetes erecta is characterized by full flowers, taking the shape of a slightly flattened hemisphere. Their diameter does not exceed 12.5 centimeters, while the entire height can be from 45 to 75 centimeters (however, there are also some up to a meter). Although they are eagerly grown in, they also become a real decoration of bouquets, because they can stay in good condition for a long time standing in the water. In fact, the marigold tolerates low temperatures well, although it is not resistant to frost, and it tolerates temporary periods of dryness well.

The tagetes is scattered: a frequent visitor to flower beds

The scattered tagetes is usually slightly smaller than the erected tagetes. It can grow up to a height of 20 to 60 centimeters. It can be both full and single. The marigolds are yellow, copper-brown or orange in color, and their diameter is only 2 to 5 centimeters. this one has narrow, pinnate leaves, and its shoots are highly branched. Most often it is planted in groups for a better visual effect.

Tagetes.  Illustrative photoTagetes. Illustrative photo Shutterstock

When to sow marigolds?

When to sow marigolds? The sowing date for these is April. Flowering, however, occurs about three months later. You can sow marigolds directly into the ground, but it is quite risky, because the slightest frost is enough to damage the germinating one.

Tagetes: cultivation

It is hardly less demanding than marigold. Growing this plant is not particularly burdensome. The flower is very fond of light and sun, although it can also do well in a semi-shaded position. The tagetes should be planted in a small container with little fertile soil. Seeds need sun to germinate, so it is important to only cover them with a fine layer of soil. For seedlings to emerge after a few weeks, place the container in a warm place (not in direct sunlight) and keep the soil constantly moist. Tagetes planted in the ground should be watered regularly. It will also be a good idea to cut off drying flowers.

Source: Gazeta

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