Location & Sunlight:
Plant marigolds in garden beds, borders, or containers with full sun exposure (6–8 hours daily). They thrive in bright sunlight and produce the most flowers in open, sunny locations. Marigolds tolerate heat well and are ideal for summer gardens.
Soil:
Prefers well-draining soil of average fertility. Marigolds are not heavy feeders and grow well in loamy or sandy soil. Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Avoid overly rich soil, which encourages leaf growth over flowering.
Watering:
Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Provide about 1 inch of water per week, watering at the base of the plant. Avoid frequent overhead watering, as wet foliage can lead to mildew and disease.
Fertilizer:
Minimal fertilization is needed. If desired, apply a light, balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. Excess fertilizer can reduce flowering.
Spacing & Maintenance:
Space plants 8–12 inches apart, depending on variety. Remove spent blooms regularly (deadheading) to encourage continuous flowering. Plants are low maintenance and rarely require support.
Bloom Period:
Blooms begin 50–60 days after planting and continue through summer and fall until frost. Flowers range from bright yellow to deep orange, making marigolds excellent for borders, companion planting, and pest deterrence in vegetable gardens.
Location & Sunlight:
Plant in garden beds, borders, or containers with full sun to partial shade. Chinese forget-me-nots bloom best with 6 hours of sunlight, but benefit from light afternoon shade in warmer climates. Cooler temperatures encourage longer flowering.
Soil:
Prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil enriched with compost. Maintain slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Avoid heavy or waterlogged soils, which can cause root rot.
Watering:
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially during establishment. Provide about 1 inch of water per week, watering at the base of the plant. Once established, plants tolerate brief dry periods but bloom best with consistent moisture.
Fertilizer:
Minimal feeding is required. If desired, apply a light, balanced fertilizer once early in the growing season. Excess fertilizer promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Spacing & Growth Habit:
Space plants 8–10 inches apart. Plants grow in a compact, upright habit, reaching 12–18 inches tall, with branching stems covered in soft green foliage.
Bloom Period:
Blooms appear 60–70 days after planting and continue through late spring into early summer. Flowers are small but abundant, appearing in clusters of bright blue, pink, or white. Chinese forget-me-nots are excellent for borders, wildflower gardens, and cut-flower arrangements.
Location & Sunlight:
Plant in garden beds or borders with full sun to partial shade. Four o’clock plants perform best with 6–8 hours of sunlight, but tolerate light shade, especially in hot climates. Flowers open in the late afternoon and remain open into the evening.
Soil:
Prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil. Four o’clocks are adaptable and grow well in loamy or sandy soils. Maintain slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Avoid overly rich soil, which can reduce flowering.
Watering:
Water regularly during establishment, then moderately once plants are established. Provide about 1 inch of water per week, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Plants are drought-tolerant once mature.
Fertilizer:
Minimal feeding is required. If desired, apply a light balanced fertilizer once early in the growing season. Excess fertilizer encourages leafy growth rather than flowers.
Spacing & Growth Habit:
Space plants 12–18 inches apart. Plants grow in a bushy, spreading habit, reaching 2–3 feet tall, with thick stems and lush green foliage. Four o’clocks often develop tuberous roots and may reseed readily.
Bloom Period:
Blooms begin in mid-summer and continue through fall. Flowers open in the late afternoon, around 4 o’clock, and come in vibrant shades of pink, yellow, red, white, and multicolored. Four o’clocks are fragrant and attract pollinators such as butterflies and moths.