African marigold
Tagetes erecta (incl. hybid cvs.)
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Hardiness Zone:
4
Flowers:
Showy, Blue, Purple, White, Pink, (disk flowers are yellow) Flowers In Summer
Sun:
Full sun
Fruits:
brown,black Fruits Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,yellow,purple
Growth Rate:
High
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Bushy aster should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch, about once every 2 weeks. For best results, water deeply and slowly at the base of the plant, making sure to saturate all the roots. Be sure to avoid overhead watering, as this could lead to disease and rot. During especially dry periods, try to water the plant once a week.
sunlight
Bushy aster is a sun-loving plant species that prefers full sun or 6 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive. However, due to its drought tolerance, some hybrid varieties may be able to survive with as few as 4 hours of sunlight. It is best for this plant species to receive its full allotment of sunlight in the morning in order to benefit from the morning sun's warmth and to give the plant the energy it needs to face the midday sun. In the winter, when there is less daylight, 6 hours of sunlight may be hard to come by. To help ensure that your plant receives adequate sunlight during these months, place it near a south or west facing window.
pruning
Bushy aster plants should be pruned in the early spring, just before new growth begins. Cut them back to just above the soil line to encourage more vigorous branching. Be sure to remove any dead or diseased stems. For the remainder of the season, prune liberally, removing up to 2-thirds of stems, always cutting back to just above the soil line. Prune again in the late summer to keep the plant tidy and to encourage reblooming. At this time, remove any flowering stems that have finished blooming, cutting them back to just above the foliage.
