The splash of color that Tagetes bring to the landscape is absolutely incomparable. Gardeners love these flowering plants, and there are actually a few reasons for that.

Aside from their beauty, marigolds are hardy plants and can survive in a variety of conditions. They also act as a natural pesticide, making your outdoor space free of mosquitoes and nematodes.

Ladybugs, hoverflies and ichneumon wasps love the flowers of the marigolds, so your garden will be populated by beneficial insects.

Gardeners take great care to ensure that their marigolds get ideal soil, sufficient sun and water.

However, many forget a very important task when it comes to these plants. Let’s look at a common mistake when caring for marigolds!

Do you make this common mistake?

One of the things you shouldn’t do with your marigolds is skipping the inflorescences. This old but golden gardening technique has many benefits and is crucial for maintaining a plant’s vitality.

Even if you create all the ideal conditions for your marigolds, they won’t thrive as well as they would if you cut off the heads.

So the question arises as to what are the advantages of removing the flower heads from marigold plants. The reason is actually quite easy to understand.

Once the flowers of your marigold have faded, the plant focuses its energy on seed production. If you remove the spent flowers of the marigolds, you will interrupt the natural cycle of the plant.

Instead of forming seeds, the marigold shifts its energy to the formation of new buds, resulting in more flowers.

Another reason why defoliation is so important for these plants is auxin regulation. (1) The word auxin actually stands for plant hormones that are important for growth.

When you depilate a marigold, you change the balance of auxin. This interrupts the inhibitory effect on the lateral buds, which leads to the stimulation of the lateral shoots and the development of further flower buds.

The last advantage of removing inflorescences from marigolds is that it keeps the garden tidy. I am aware that appearance is one of the main reasons why we grow marigolds.

Once they have faded, it can affect the appearance of your garden. So, if you remove the spent flowers of the marigolds, you will get a clean and well-groomed look of your landscape.

Also, this technique reduces the possibility of diseases in your garden. Keep in mind that the dead plant material can provide a favorable environment for pathogens to develop.

How to dehair and care for marigold

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a master gardener to depilate your marigolds. Wait for the flowers to fade, then cut them just above the first set of leaves.

For larger marigold varieties, you should opt for clean and sharp scissors to effectively remove the flowers.

Regular removal of the flowers throughout the growing season promotes a sustained flowering cycle and ensures long-lasting enjoyment of the marigold flowers. Remember to dispose of the removed flowers to prevent the possible spread of diseases.

If you have problems with marigolds, you should reconsider their basic requirements. Be sure to plant your marigolds in a fast-draining substrate that retains moisture well.

Also, make sure you have plenty of bright light to keep your marigolds thriving. Keep in mind that while these plants can repel some pests, they are susceptible to snails and caterpillars.

Inspect your marigolds regularly and include the removal of the inflorescences in your care to preserve the happiest and healthiest plants ever!