Desert Marigold
Planting Instructions
🌼 Overview of Baileya multiradiata (Desert Marigold)
Native Range: Southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico (desert and arid regions)
Life Cycle: Perennial or short-lived perennial (sometimes grown as annual in cooler areas)
Height: 1–2 feet
Bloom Time: Spring to fall in warm climates
Ecological Value: Supports pollinators, excellent for xeriscaping
Appearance: Silvery foliage, bright yellow daisy-like blooms
🌱 Sowing Options
1️⃣ Direct Sowing Outdoors
Best Time to Sow:
Fall: Ideal in mild-winter/desert regions (zones 8–10); seeds overwinter and bloom early.
Early Spring: In cooler regions after danger of frost has passed and soil begins to warm.
Site Selection:
Sunlight: Full sun is essential (minimum 6–8 hours/day).
Soil: Prefers sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil – must be well-drained.
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–8.0)
Soil Preparation:
Loosen soil to 4–6 inches deep.
Remove weeds, rocks, and debris.
Avoid compost or rich amendments — thrives in lean, dry soil.
Planting Depth:
Surface sow or cover lightly with soil or sand (~1/16–1/8 inch).
Light exposure helps germination.
Watering:
Water gently after sowing.
Keep soil lightly moist (not wet) until germination (7–21 days).
Once established, water sparingly — drought tolerant.
Stratification:
Not required.
Germinates easily without cold treatment, especially in warm climates.
Scarification:
Not needed.
2️⃣ Starting Seeds Indoors (Spring Transplanting)
When to Start:
4–6 weeks before last frost date.
Growing Setup:
Use a well-draining seed-starting mix (add sand or perlite for drainage).
Surface sow seeds or lightly press into the soil.
Provide bright light (sunny window or grow lights for 12–16 hrs/day).
Maintain warmth (~65–75°F) for germination.
Watering Indoors:
Mist or bottom water to keep soil evenly moist (not wet).
Germination usually in 7–14 days.
Transplanting Outdoors:
Harden off for 7–10 days before transplanting outdoors.
Choose a sunny, dry location.
Avoid overwatering after transplant.
🔧 Maintenance Tips
Extremely low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
No fertilizer needed; performs better in nutrient-poor soils.
Deadheading extends bloom period, but not required.
Can self-sow modestly in favorable desert conditions.
Avoid overwatering — prone to rot in poorly drained soils.
Excellent companion plant in dry native gardens or rock gardens.
🚫 Invasiveness
Not considered invasive.
May reseed locally but does not aggressively spread or displace native vegetation.
