Expert: Mike Mascio - 5/28/2007

Question

"Thank you for taking time to read my questions.   Most of my flower
beds have a mixture of top soil and compost with a little peet moss.  I
live in Mississppi where it is getting hot and theres not much rain.
I have marigolds that I started from seeds.  They are growing and most
of tem are about 6-12"high but there are no blooms yet. Is this
normal?  What should i do?

Thank you so much!Jamie"

Answer
Jamie, this is very normal. Here in Ohio, we plant our annuals around mid-May. We normally do not have blooms until July 4th. Afterward, the plants flower profusely.

Several factors can affect blooming, including soil and weather. It sounds like you have prepared your beds properly. You can till in a granular fertilizer with a nutrient ratio of 10-30-10. This ratio provides a high dosage of phosphorus, the nutrient required for blooming. You can purchase a high phosphorus fertilizer at most garden centers.

Other than that, all you can do is be patient. Believe me, the plants will begin blooming shortly and will continue until the first frost.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if you ever need assistance.

Regards,

Mike