Cover Crops: Marigold
Table of Contents
Description
Figure 1. Crop of Marigolds
Family
- Compositae
Growth Habits
Germination
- annual
Top Growth
- height growth is cultivar-dependent
- moderate growth rate
- stocky plant with lacey leaf growth
- tough stalks
Root System
- moderate rate of root growth
- medium sized root system
Overwintering
- winterkills
Benefits and Concerns
Pest Management
- non-host for nematodes, suppresses nematode populations
- 2 year control achieved in Ontario
- needs to be weed free for nematode suppression
Getting Started
Establishment
- seed can be drilled or broadcast
- plant shallow – 1 cm and pack lightly
- seed is light and fluffy – will bridge in seed drill tubes. Some success has been had with mixing seed with pre-cooked dry rice to help flow from seed box in drill
- seed at rate of 1.3 kg/ha
- does not require mowing
Cost & Availability
- seed is expensive eg more $100 per acre
- seed can be difficult to source
- cv Cracker Jack is most common seed available,
- cv.Creole will also work
Related Links
For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca