October FlowerOctober Birth Month Flower
History
October Flower. The Marigold!
The flower is known for following the sun during the day and blooms continuously throughout its long season. Many gardeners consider them the easiest flower to grow, the most rewarding because they bloom from early spring to late fall, and the most adaptable to many soil conditions. They come in many shades of yellow to deep orange - the perfect birthday flower for the fall. The marigold was used in religious ceremonies in India and is known for its cleansing attributes in treatment of insect bites and stings. The fragrance of a marigold is spicy and pungent and ideal for the fall celebrations. How to GrowMarigolds are annuals and are started from seeds indoors in spring, six to eight weeks before your last frost date. As an alternative they be started outdoors after last threat of frost. Seeds are sown directly in soil with 1/4 inch of soil for cover. Sometimes it is easier to buy new, healthly plants from the local garden center - check for disease, meaning overall underdeveloped or sparsely develop. Healthy marigolds are stocky and have lots of leaves - fewer flower buds in the beginning are best. Plant marigolds outside in full sun and well-drained soil. Place plants about one foot apart and pinch off any buds or blooms to push the energy to the plant's roots for more robust flowering later. Mulch with wood chips or straw to keep weeds down and to hold moisture. 4 to 6 weeks after planting, fertilize plants.
Maintain plant energy by snapping off old blooms. After fall frost, discard plants.
Perfect Birthday Celebrations - Homepage to October Flower.
|
||||||||
