When we think “gardening expert,” a few local green thumbs might come to mind, but Dallas Arboretum’s Vice President of Gardens Dave Forehand certainly makes his way to the forefront. Each month, we’ll be sharing Forehand’s seasonal gardening tips and insight. Today, Dave’s talking marigolds.
Marigolds have been a fall favorite for a long time. As a kid, I remember how easy it was to harvest the dried flower head and disperse the seed to see even more little plants sprout from the soil. Usually planted in the spring or early summer, marigolds are a reliable bloomer through the heat of summer. Lately, a new trend of planting in the fall is giving this old summer favorite even longer seasonal life.
Here’s what you need to know.
When Should You Plant Them?
When planted in late August or early September, you’ll be rewarded with a continuous display of beautiful blooms right up to the first killing frost, which for us here in Dallas can be as late as the end of November. If planted by seed, you will have blooms within 45 days.
While you may have missed the boat on planting these beauties last month, It’s never to early to start planning your 2017 garden.
Why Marigolds?
The colors are a perfect match for autumn, with rich yellows and oranges, as well as multi-colored reds and yellows. Marigolds really accentuate the pumpkin displays here at the Dallas Arboretum during our Autumn at the Arboretum fall festival.
While chrysanthemums tend to get the bulk of the fall attention, marigolds can be a great alternative or complement to your vibrant fall flowerbeds.
A Fun Fact About the Flower
The common name Marigold is derived from “Mary’s gold”, a name first applied to a similar native plant that grows in Europe.
