How to Grow Cape Marigold in Pots

 

The botanical name of cape marigold plant is Dimorphotheca sinuate. The plant is actually a colorful plant that produces a profusion of daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, orange, and yellow. The cape marigold plant grows up to eighteen inches tall and the plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Cape marigold flowers close up at night and on cloudy days, making it a great addition to a garden or landscape.

 

Propagating and Growing Cape Marigolds

1.    Cape marigolds can be grown from seeds and softwood cuttings.

2.    For zones eight or higher, they can be grow all year long.

3.    Make sure you plant them after the first frost in your area.

4.    Cape marigolds do best in bright sunlight. Pick the spot accordingly. 

 

How to Grow Cape Marigold in Pots

Position: Cape marigolds plant is in love with sunlight. The more, the merrier it is going to be for the flowers and their magnificent colors.

Soil requirement: Cape Marigolds are not fussy when it comes to soil requirements. Your regular potting soil will actually work fine. If you want the best results, use loamy soil with some water retention capability.

 

Water requirement: Water the plant well and let the soil go a bit dry before you reach for the can again. Drainage holes in pots will do their work to drain the excess water out. Make sure you avoid watering the foliage.

 

Cape Marigold Care in Pots

Fertilizer requirement: A 5-10-5 or 10-10-10 blend will work just fine. The key here is to use a less amount than recommended on the label, as over-fertilizing the Cape Marigolds plant will hurt the flowers. Applying a liquid fertilizer once in 2 to 3 weeks diluted to ¼ or ½ of its recommended strength should be fine.

Deadheading and pinching: You can just snip off the spent flowers as you see them. This will encourage new blooms. Pinching the tips of your cape marigold, most especially when it is young, is also important to get the fuller plant.

Pest and Diseases Control

Spider mites and aphids love cape marigolds plant. You can gentle use insecticidal soap or neem oil to keep them at bay.

Fungal diseases like powdery mildew can attack cape marigolds plant often if they’re kept too wet. To actually avoid this, just keep the leaves dry, and also provide proper air circulation and full sunlight.