French marigold

Alumia is a new series of French marigold that delivers large blooms and strong branching stems. It is available in six well-matched colors, including the unique Vanilla Cream. Alumia is a great choice for pots, packs and the garden.

Use a well-drained, peat-based growing mix with a pH of 6.2 to 6.5 and EC of 1.5. Practice a good wet/dry moisture cycle; avoid wilting. Feed one to two times per week with 150- to 200-ppm nitrogen from 15-5-15, 17-5-17 or 13-2-13.

Temperatures for rooting out after transplant should be 65 to 68° F. These can be lowered to 62 to 65° F for growing on. Light levels should be 3,000 to 5,000 foot-candles.

Growth can be controlled naturally with good moisture management. Use sprays of B-Nine (2,500 to 5,000 ppm), Bonzi (15 to 30 ppm) or Sumagic (5 to 10 ppm) as needed. Drench with Bonzi (2 to 5 ppm) or Sumagic (1 to 2 ppm) when plants are up to size and flowering. It is best to run trials to avoid overdosing, as weather and cultural regimes can affect the requirements.

Pests to watch for are aphids, whitefly, thrips, spider mite and leafminer. Diseases that can affect French marigold are Pythium, Botrytis and leafspots (bacterial and Alternaria). Bronzing or speckling on lower leaves is likely to be caused by media pH less than 6.0.