Characteristics and description of the Antigua marigold variety, planting and care rules
It is difficult to find gardeners who do not want to draw attention to their beds with bright and lush flowers. Many are looking for rare and exotic flowers, the cultivation of which is already a feat in itself and takes a huge amount of energy and attention. However, the most common marigolds of the Antigua variety, derived from African marigolds, can extremely easily cope with such a task.
General information about the variety Antigua
This variety belongs to the upright marigold species, also known as African marigolds. The species itself is distinguished by a fibrous root system, as well as the fact that the bushes of this plant can be from forty to one hundred and twenty centimeters high. At the same time, the bushes are both compact and spreading - there is no clear gradation, and it all depends on the specific plant.
The Antigua variety compares favorably with its species by dwarfism - flowers rarely exceed thirty centimeters in height. This makes it similar to Bonanza Deep Orange, a different species. The diameter of the inflorescences varies from seven to twelve centimeters. The bushes themselves are compact and give several peduncles.
The following subspecies of this variety have been noted, which gravitate more towards one of the shades characteristic of Antigua:
- Orange. Intense orange color.
- Yellow. Sunny, yellow inflorescences.
- Primrose. Lovely lemon yellow color.
The merits and demerits of culture
Since each species has its pros and cons, marigolds have their positive and negative sides. If we talk exclusively about the Antigua variety, then the list of pros and cons is significantly reduced.
The advantages of this variety are usually:
- The compactness of the bush. Due to the density and diminutiveness of the plant, it is ideal for decorating curbs.
- An excellent combination of the size of the stems and inflorescences, which makes the bush look more lush.
The disadvantages include:
- Price. The cost of seeds of this variety can "bite", and this is directly related to the next minus.
- Lack of seeds. Since it is a hybrid variety, Antigua either does not produce seeds or they do not bear fruit.
When and how to plant?
In order for marigolds to bloom early, it is better to plant them in seed boxes in early March. Seeds are planted in grooves, at a distance of one and a half to two centimeters from each other. This distance should be between furrows. Or you can immediately plant it in the garden in May. The soil should be well-drained, slightly acidic. It is better to pre-fertilize it with peat and mineral fertilizing.
The seeds are sprinkled with one centimeter of earth and covered with a dark film, after which it remains only to wait. Seedlings will appear on the fifth or seventh day, then they can be transplanted separately from each other or, if the weather permits, then moved to a flower bed. Specifically, this erect variety is planted in squares twenty by twenty centimeters, but its larger relatives can live only in squares forty by forty centimeters.
It is worth noting that marigolds tolerate transplantation well, regardless of age. Even if the transplant is done during the flowering period, everything will be fine with them.
How to care for a plant?
In order for a plant to grow healthy and beautiful, it must be properly cared for. To do this, remove wilted inflorescences, and periodically loosen the soil at the roots. This is necessary because the root system needs oxygen supply.
Watering
While Antigua marigolds are resistant to short-term droughts, they should be watered regularly, especially during the hotter months. Good watering in the early stages of growth will help form lush flowers and strong, beautiful stems. The main thing is not to overdo it and be moderate - excessive moisture and stagnant water will lead to the appearance of gray rot.
Top dressing
For top dressing, complex mineral fertilizers are used, which are introduced two or three times a season - this is enough. During flowering, you can add some phosphorus to the soil, but this is not necessary.
Diseases and pests
The same diseases and pests cause harm to marigolds as to many other flowers. Exceptions to this rule are rare, and only confirm the rule. Among the pests and diseases that can destroy a flower, the following representatives are distinguished:
- Gray rot. This fungus appears due to over-watering and / or close proximity of plants to each other. You can distinguish gray rot by dark spots that appear on the leaves, as well as damage to the roots, which begin to rot. It is recommended to immediately dig up all the affected bushes and destroy them. However, you can try to save them by replanting them in separate pots and removing the affected plant parts.
- Snails and slugs. They are engaged in eating plants. They have to be collected by hand, after which jars of chlorine are installed near the flowers - it scares away pests.
- Spider mite. Appears in hot, dry weather. It actively feeds on plant sap, which gradually leads to their death. Since marigolds do not tolerate chemicals well, they are sprayed with an infusion of burning plants. These include hot peppers, onions, garlic and yarrow.
How best to propagate
It is believed that the best way to propagate this type of flowers is by seeds. But this method is not suitable for those who want to breed one variety. This is due to the already mentioned "sterility" of the hybrids, so all that remains is to purchase seeds from breeders. How to plant the seeds correctly was described above.
However, there are some gardeners who prefer to use cuttings. This method helps to quickly multiply flowers by partially cutting off one of the plants.
To do this, take somewhere a pound of soil and water it well. After that, several tops are cut off from the plant and planted in the ground. A pot of soil should be tied in a transparent bag to create conditions for it, like in a greenhouse, with high humidity and temperature. The package is exposed to the sun, and after seven days the stalk will sprout.
In this case, the "parent" plant will not suffer much and even acquire a more aesthetic appearance. If only one top is removed from the plant, then growth in the lateral buds will soon begin, and the bush will become more voluminous. And when flowering begins, it will be difficult to find leaves from the abundance of flowers.
Gardeners suggest treating the cut site of the parent plant, but this does not make much sense if the plant is not already affected by any pests.
The use of marigolds
In addition to purely aesthetic value, marigolds of this variety have other extremely useful properties. These include:
- Scare away pests. Due to its specific smell, Antigua scares away almost all insects that usually attack plants. So, if marigolds are planted next to other flowers, you can forget about whiteflies, bear and aphids. But don't plant these plants next to peas and radishes - they don't get along well.
- Medicine. Infusions of dried and fresh marigolds help get rid of parasites, and also have a diuretic and diaphoretic effect. They are also used for joint pain.
- Cooking. The dried petals are used as a natural coloring agent and spice.
- Ecology. Marigolds are pulled from the soil and accumulate heavy metals, which helps to clear the soil.
Summing up, we see a variety, the cost of which is quite high, but it is not as delicate and whimsical to care for as most expensive flowers. This is practically the best combination of value and stamina that you don't see often..
