A flower grows against calendula nematodes

calendula also known as Indian carnation is a brightly colored flower, available in shades ranging mainly from yellow to dark red and in different varieties, from tall stems to dwarfs.

It is not a fragrant flower, but on the contrary has quite an unpleasant smell , so much so that odorless varieties have been selected. On the other hand, it is very pleasant to look at and for this reason lends itself to ornamental decorations both in the garden and in the pot.

In the garden, the marigold is interesting not only for its aesthetic presence but above all for its properties: it is a useful flower for two reasons. The first is that the root system has exudates undesirable for nematodes it can therefore be useful to eliminate these pests from the garden, the second reason, common to many flowers, is that flowering may attract pollinating insects.

For this reason, it is customary to put a few calendula plants among cultivated beds, in particular it is a plant often associated with tomatoes.

marigold cultivation

The calendula plant ( Tagetes L. ) is a member of the Compositae and Asteraceae family, to which many flowers (e.g. sunflowers and marigolds) but also vegetables (e.g. lettuce and artichokes) belong.

It is sown in the nursery in March then transplanted to the garden after a month. The transplanting period is very variable, it is a plant that has no problems to be transplanted, even when it is already developed and flowering, you can decide to move it.

calendula lives well in all types of soil settles even on rocky ground, provided there is a good Sun exposure.

It needs little water, while does not like stagnation and persistent dampness , so it is not very demanding also in terms of irrigation. It is therefore a very simple flower to grow, requiring little care.

Especially in dwarf species it is good keep the ground weeded preventing weeds from smothering the flower.

The most common varieties of calendula are annuals, flowering takes place from March to November and, the shelter of gardens and flowerbeds.

In our organic garden I calendula is a very useful flower because it has nematicidal properties, it kills nematode worms , annoying pests that fear the radical vapors of this flower. For this reason, it can be good to have marigold seedlings scattered among halos and garden crops. It is a classic association recommended in synergistic agriculture. Like all flowers, the marigold also renders the excellent service of attract bees, wasps and other pollinating insects .

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