Marsh marigolds like it moist. Otherwise, these herbaceous plants are rather undemanding. We will show you what you need to consider when planting.
Spring is coming to the garden pond with the marsh marigold (C altha palustris). As early as March, the native buttercup plant opens its yellow cup flowers and the first bumblebees, bees and butterflies arrive. So that this atmospheric round dance can be experienced anew every year, a few tips regarding the cultivation of the marigolds must be observed. Below you will find out what you need to consider when planting marsh marigolds.
Marsh marigold - small plant description
Marsh marigolds, also known as cow flowers, are small herbaceous plants that can reach a maximum height of half a meter. The stems, which are bare at the bottom, rise from the strong rootstock of the rhizome-forming plant. The dark green and almost sessile leaves can grow up to 15 centimeters long. Flowering begins in March and can extend into early summer if the location is optimal.
» Tip: A second flowering of the marsh marigold can often be observed in late summer and early autumn.
Each stem usually has several flowers. The marsh marigold is missing a calyx. In addition to the numerous yellow stamens, there are also several closely spaced carpels. Slim follicles develop from the fertilized carpels, which contain the seeds, which are almost three millimeters in size.
Marsh Marigold Distribution
Marsh marigolds are widespread in Europe. The plants are found as far north as Russia and Iceland. North America and Asia are further distribution areas of the undemanding marigold. The plants mainly grow on watercourses and on marshy meadows. The marsh marigold is often found in the company of campions, cabbage thistle or marsh forget-me-not. The plants are also found in alluvial forests. The distribution area in the Allgäu Alps extends to more than 2,000 meters.
Special features of the marsh marigold
With the marsh marigold is an attractiveand easy-care aquatic plant for the garden pond. The plant is already in full bloom in spring and thus provides one of the first splashes of color in the still wintry garden. In earlier times, the marsh marigold was used as a dye. The buds were boiled and pickled in vinegar, which served as a substitute for capers. In 1999, the marsh marigold was named "Flower of the Year". The plants have been protected since then.
» Caution: It is forbidden to dig up wild marsh marigolds.
Plant marsh marigold - find a suitable location
The marsh marigold should get a bright and moist location. A slightly sunny to partially shaded location is best tolerated. If the plants receive too little light, the shoots will shoot up unnecessarily and the flowering will suffer as a result. A location in the shallow water zone is ideal. However, there should be no water current.
The right location in keywords:
- light
- partial shade
- near the pond
- in swamp beds
How deep can the marsh marigold stand in the water?
Marsh marigold roots and rhizomes may be in the water. The upper rungs should be able to spread out above the water surface. The water depth should not exceed ten centimeters. Too low a water level has a negative effect on growth and flowering. The shallow water zone of the garden pond is the ideal location.
Suitable substrate for the marsh marigold
A nutrient-rich and moist soil is required. Some species prefer slightly acidic soil. There are also species that feel comfortable on a calcareous subsoil. The plants thrive in the swampy soil in the shallow water zone of the garden pond just as they do in the fresh substrate of a wet meadow. If you have the opportunity to determine the pH of the soil, values between 5.8 and 6.5 are ideal for the marsh marigold.
» Tip: A permanently moist substrate forms the basis of life for the marsh marigold.
Selecting the ideal substrate in keywords:
- damp to wet
- nutrient rich
- slightly sour
- humos
- swampy pH between 5.8 and 6.5
Planting Marsh Marigolds - Instructions
When is planting time?
Previous plants can be put into the ground between spring and autumn. The prerequisite for this is that the water does not freeze andground frost is not to be expected. The months of August to October can be regarded as the ideal planting time.
Planting marsh marigolds - step by step
- Find location
- Dig planting hole
- Put plant in plant basket
- Weigh the plant basket
- Close planting hole
Once the right location has been found, the planting hole is dug about twice the size of the root ball. Since the marsh marigold does not theoretically grow rampant, a plant basket is not absolutely necessary. However, it makes sense to use a plant basket, especially if the marigold is placed at the edge of a fish pond. To prevent the fish from dragging and knocking over the plant basket, it should be weighed down with pebbles. The plants grow about the same distance apart in width and height. Therefore, a planting distance of at least 30 centimeters is recommended. The marsh marigolds are particularly attractive when they are planted in small tuffs. Up to twelve copies can be used on one square meter.
An overview of the most important tips for planting
| Measure | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Select Location | • A moist location is vital for the marsh marigold. • The edges of a pond, bog beds or wet meadows are ideal. • A partially shaded location is well tolerated. • Does the If the plant is too dark, it loses its compact growth. |
| Select substrate | • Marsh marigolds elude nutrient-rich and moist soil. • Some species like it slightly acidic, while other varieties prefer calcareous soil. |
| planting | • When planting at the edge of fish ponds, it makes sense to use a plant basket. • The planting hole should be twice the size of the root ball. • The marigold should be planted with the roots in the standing water. |
Cultivating marsh marigolds in a bucket, is that possible?
No marsh marigold without a garden pond - far from it. The plants can also be kept on balconies and terraces in a waterproof container filled with muddy soil. Of course, don't forget to fill up with water regularly. The water should always be a few centimeters above the ground. The tub plant is only watered less during the hibernation, but the root ball must not dry out.