Growing Desert Marigold in the Landscape

Q. I want to grow some desert flowering plants like Desert Marigold in my landscape. In the past, when I attempted to transplant them from seedlings, they did not make it. Is there a technique to transplanting or am I better off planting the seeds directly into the soil?

Opuntia (nopal) cactus flower

A. Once established, desert plants are difficult to move.  If you sow seed into the landscape, get them to grow and then try to move them to a new location, then that is probably why the died. It’s hard to harvest enough roots when moving desert plants to a new location.

Start Wildflowers from Seed in Containers

            You are better off starting plants from seed in containers and then moving them into the landscape once they have solid growth. Kind of the same as starting tomato or basil transplants from seed but without watering as often. If you do move them to a new location, take lots of roots with the plant and cut the top back to reduce its need for water!

            Desert marigold is native to the Mojave Desert and can be grown from seed easily provided they are watered less often and the soil growing them doesn’t hold water. Wet or damp conditions kill new plants or the germinating seed. Spread twice as many seeds as you need on top of a well-draining, coarse gravelly or sandy soil in the spring and cover the seed lightly with a thin sheet of sand. Cactus soil works well.

            Use small plastic or peat containers to start them but 8-ounce paper cups work as well provided you make sure they drain water easily. Don’t use rocks in the bottom of the cup but make sure there are holes that allow water to easily drain.

Starting Wildflowers Seed in the Landscape

            In the landscape, rake the seed lightly into the soil with a garden rake. Lightly apply a sand layer. After you’re done, water with a spray nozzle so the seed gets wet and the sandy sheet tucks them in. Then fight the urge to sprinkle them daily, or even every other day, until you see growth appear.

Warning about Collecting Seed

            Remember, don’t collect seed or plants from public lands. Secondly, get permission from landowners in writing when collecting seed or plants from privately owned land.