One of the most frequently asked questions about marigolds is how cold can marigolds tolerate, as they are popular flowers for fall and winter gardens.
Sometimes you can see that the flowers stay perfectly beautiful when the snow falls. But some other time, it just withers.
You're reading: How Cold Can Marigolds Tolerate?
Marigolds can withstand coldness to a certain degree, but it won’t be able to survive the extreme.
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of gardening and uncover the secrets behind planting in cold weather.
How Cold Can Marigolds Tolerate
Yes, you will still have to conduct protective measures for your marigolds if you live in areas with harsh winters, as the plant can only survive temperatures as low as 28°F (-2°C).
It will certainly perish when put under hard frost and a prolonged freeze without any protection.
This threshold may vary in different varieties, but the disparity won’t be too significant either.
If you are unsure how far your marigold species can tolerate cold, just ensure you are not exposing it to sustained freezing temperatures during the winter.
Give your marigolds a thick layer of mulch or a frost blanket when you know the frost will befall your outdoor garden.
Note: Marigolds grow best in climates where winter temperatures are between 35 and 60°F (2 and 16°C).
Plants vs Cold Temperature
Soil Conditions
Early spring is a great time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground covers, if the soil is not too cold.
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Remember that it may take a longer while for it to process the cold temperatures it absorbed in the winter during this period.
This can affect how well your plants grow.
The good news is that most trees, shrubs, and perennials sold in your local garden center are “cold hardy.”
This means they can withstand the cold weather we experience in winter.
As long as the plants you see at the garden center aren’t too far ahead of their counterparts planted in the ground, they will be just fine.
Know Your Hardy Annuals
Hardy annuals are the stars of the show during this time of year.
You’ll spot delightful pansies and violas, beautiful ranunculus, vibrant snapdragons and calendula, and cold-hardy vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and kale.
Parsley, fennel, dill, and cilantro also thrive in this season.
These plants can handle some cold and may even survive a freeze.
Interestingly, they are not fans of the intense summer heat and tend to do better when planted in the fall.
Semi-Hardy Plants for Moderate Cold
Semi-hardy plants are a little more delicate and can only tolerate light frost.
This group includes charming petunias, sweet alyssum, bachelor’s buttons, sweet peas, carnations, and greens like lettuce, spinach, and chard.
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While they can withstand some cold, it’s best to protect them from harsh weather conditions.
Tender Plants and Frosty Woes
Tender annuals are the most fragile of the bunch and should be carefully handled. Even a mild frost can severely damage or kill these plants.
They also struggle to grow during long periods of cold weather.
If you have tender annuals, it’s crucial to wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting them.
To determine the ideal time, you can rely on the last average frost date for your region.
- While the average last frost date may be in mid- to late April, experienced gardeners often advise waiting until Mother’s Day, just to be safe.
Examples of tender annuals include gorgeous geraniums, vibrant marigolds, and lovely zinnias.
Don’t forget about vegetables like beans, squashes, and peppers, which are also considered tender annuals.
These plants require warm soil, not just warm air. It’s another reason why waiting until Mother’s Day to start planting is a wise choice.
The Beauty of Patience
As gardeners, we all crave color and the joy of getting our hands dirty.
But sometimes, waiting just a few more weeks can make all the difference for your tender plants.
The reward for patience is a thriving garden that brings you endless beauty.
So hold off on planting those marigolds for now. Remember, good things come to those who wait.
Source: https://thelittle.garden
Category: Flowers