The effects of salt on marigolds

Added on 06 April 2020

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After centuries in cultivation, marigolds (Tagetes spp.) endure as ornamentals. As it does in all plants, the presence of salt in water or soil impacts marigold growth. Though affected, marigolds have some salt tolerance. These plants remain attractive and continue to flower when faced with moderate levels of salt in water and in soils.

Salinity

Though different plants show different tolerance levels, salt or saline water has a negative impact on plant growth. At lower salinity levels, the effects are not always apparent, but they still exist. Salt reduces a plant's ability to take up water and interferes with nutrient availability in soils. This disrupts plant nutrition, growth, flower quality and quantity, stem length, leaf health and many other factors. Marigolds are no exception.

Tolerance

Research at the U.S. Salinity Laboratory in California replicated saline conditions of runoff water typical in parts of that state. The marigolds were exposed to saline water. Although the marigolds were shorter, the number of flower shoots and the size and number of flowers were not reduced until high salinity levels were introduced. The salt-affected plants, though shorter, remained attractive. Research at Cornell University yielded similar results.

Sensitivity

Saline sensitivity in marigolds and other plants differs among species and cultivars, and according to a plant's maturity. Seed germination and seedling growth are affected more. Plants grown in saline soils are less able to tolerate drought. Marigolds in such conditions require more frequent watering.

Source: Homeguides