MARIGOLDS!!!!

[tartonterro]

dont know whats happened, i had to re-sow my marigolds after some high wind blew everything in my plastic greenhouse in the middle of the floor - but they all seem to be wilting and rotting off - what have i done wrong - any idea's??????

[tartonterro]

[springbok]

Looked up the symptoms in a book I have, and it sounds like root rot.  According to the book, the symptons you describe are caused by this.  Over watering or to wet heavy soil can cause it.  Spacing of seedlings is another factor. 
Hope the above helps anyway :)

:(

[tartonterro]

thanks for that - had a funny feeling it was cause i was over watering - will lay off for a while and see if any of them come back if not will have to plant some more
thanks again

[jesssands]

I did as kenkew said..... my saved seed in the shed was no good but I bought a new packet did it like he said and had much sucess.

http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,39759.0.html

bit of damp compost in a take away container, sprinkle in seeds, stick lid on, put in airing cupboard. 2 days later they started to sprout.

[simon404]

Hardy annuals like marigolds usually do best if sown direct into the soil.  :)

[tartonterro]

Hardy annuals like marigolds usually do best if sown direct into the soil.  :)

will give that a try as well - thanks

[Tee Gee]

Hardy annuals like marigolds usually do best if sown direct into the soil.

Sorry but I would beg to differ here;

Marigolds are half hardy annuals and are best sown at temperatures of around 70°F (21°C) for best results.

This is not to say they can't be sown directly into the soil but the timing has to be just right! i.e. when the soil is fully warmed up! say June/July depending upon your location.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Depends which marigold you're talking about. Pot marigolds are entirely hardy, and can become a weed.

[Tee Gee]

Pot marigolds are entirely hardy, and can become a weed.

True Robert !! wasn't thinking of them, I was thinking more of French & African types.

I agree with the 'weed' aspect!

Once you get these in your garden it takes years to get rid.

[tartonterro]

got 2 different types, 1 i know are african ones - not sure about the others.

[Tee Gee]

1 i know are african ones

Then treat them as a half hardy annual meaning wait till any likelyhood of frost has passed.

- not sure about the others.

Err on the side of safety and treat these as a half hardy as well

Noted I have gone of topic a bit!!

The rot might have been because they were subjected to too low temperatures for the short while the were exposed, plus if they were over-watered this would add to the problem!

[PurpleHeather]

got 2 different types, 1 i know are african ones - not sure about the others.

Probably you have French marigolds and African marigolds

The African usually grow taller and protect potatoes. (so I was told) so I plant some at the end of potato rows. They look pretty anyway.