Feeding Cape Marigolds: How To Fertilize Cape Marigolds


For many novice gardeners, the thought of growing and maintaining annual flowers from seed may be one that is very intimidating. These feelings continue to grow as one begins to delve further into specific feeding and watering requirements of various plants. Fortunately, even beginner gardeners are able to have great success when planting flowers that are robust, tolerant to adverse conditions, and bloom profusely. One such plant, the cape marigold, rewards growers with a deluge of bright and cheerful flowers, and both watering and feeding cape marigolds couldn’t be easier.
Feeding Cape Marigolds
Also known as Dimorphotheca, cape marigolds are small and brightly colored annual flowers. Low growing, these flowers are perfect for planting in areas which receive little rainfall. Due to their adaptability to various soil conditions, cape marigolds often spread when planted in locations with ideal growing conditions. As one may imagine, this too, means that the fertilizing needs of this plant will vary from location to location. For the most part, cape marigold plants don’t need much in the way of fertilizer. In fact, the plants tend to become leggy and unattractive when the soil becomes too rich, or even with excessive water.
How to Fertilize Cape Marigolds
Fertilizing cape marigold plants is very similar to that of feeding any other annual and perennial flowers. These are most commonly direct sowed into flower beds. As a means to encourage strong growth from the start, cape marigold fertilizer should be applied to a well amended and well-draining garden bed before the seeds are sown. Once the seeds have germinated and the plants become established, growers will need to pay special attention to the plants in their gardens. While some growers may find that feeding cape marigolds on a monthly basis is a necessity, others may find the garden soil to have an adequate amounts of nutrients. Your current soil conditions will dictate whether or not the plants require any additional feeding. Typically, the plants can get by with only a couple feedings throughout the growing season. If your soil isn’t the best, you can provide monthly applications of a balanced fertilizer – although, it’s a good idea to perform a soil test first to see what, if any, specific nutrients are lacking. This way you can adjust the feeding as necessary. Signs of over-fertilization may be apparent by lush, green growth with slowed flower production. Fertilizing cape marigolds should be done with a regular, balanced flower fertilizer composed of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. As always, make certain to read fertilizer instructions carefully to ensure that it is safe for use in the garden.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes".

Tonya Barnett has been gardening for 13 years. Flowers are her passion. She has transformed her backyard into a cut flower garden, which she regularly chronicles on her YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/@tonyawiththeflowers.
-
Herb Hanging Basket Ideas: 8 Best Plants For Long-Lasting Edible Splendor
Explore the best plants for a hanging basket herb garden. These picks are sure to add visual appeal and keep your herbs within easy reach.
-
How To Climb Roses Up The Walls Of Your House For A Glorious Floral Display – Plus The Best Varieties To Grow
Training climbing and rambling roses to grow against your home's facade makes a stunning natural feature and boosts curb appeal. Discover how to get it right.
-
5 Marsh Marigold Lookalikes – And Which Cause The Most Harm
Marsh marigolds have several lookalikes, and some of these lovely fast-growing plants can be harmful and invasive. It’s good to know the difference.
-
Marigold Flower Uses: Marigold Benefits For Gardens And Beyond
Marigolds are appreciated primarily for their beauty, and you may not have considered the many surprising marigold benefits for gardens. Click on the following article to learn about ways to use marigold plants in the garden.
-
Marigold Vs. Calendula – Difference Between Marigolds And Calendulas
It’s a common question: Are marigold and calendula the same? The simple answer is no. Although both are members of the sunflower family, marigolds and calendula are plants with different genera. Why all the confusion? Find out in this article and how to tell them apart.
-
Cape Marigold Propagation – How To Propagate African Daisy Flowers
Also known as African daisy, cape marigold (Dimorphotheca) is an African native that produces masses of beautiful, daisy-like blooms. Cape marigold propagation is easy if you can provide plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Learn how to propagate it here.
-
Planting Cape Marigold Seeds: How To Sow Cape Marigold Seeds
Where you live and what your climate is like will determine whether you grow cape marigold as a summer or winter annual. Planting cape marigold seeds is an inexpensive way to get started with this pretty flower. This article will help with that.
-
Cape Marigold Varieties: Learn About Different Types Of African Daisies
Cape marigolds are always a go-to plant for container designs. Of course, the key to a perfect container design is selecting the perfect varieties of these annual plants. Take a closer look at some of the many available cape marigold varieties in this article.
-
Can You Grow Cape Marigold Cuttings: How To Root Cape Marigold Cuttings
It is easy to get carried away and spend a fortune on small starter cape marigold plants each spring. However, hands-on, budget-minded gardeners may prefer to only buy a few and propagate more cape marigolds from cuttings. This article will help with that.
-
Cape Marigold Water Needs – Learn How To Water Cape Marigolds
With a more vital focus on today’s water use, many drought conscious gardeners are planting landscapes that require less irrigation. Dimorphotheca, also known as the cape marigold, is a perfect example of a flower which thrives with minimal watering. Learn more here.