Marigolds
Tagetes
One of the most common and reliable of all bedding flowers, marigolds grow cheerful flowers with warm colors and fern-like foliage.
Marigolds are very low-maintenance once established, and they are notably pest-free. In fact, they are sometimes planted as a deterrent to pests that attack other plants.
Light: For the most flowers and the healthiest plants, plant your marigolds in full sun.
Soil: Marigolds are not fussy. Any good garden soil (and a little water during dry spells) should keep them happy, as long as the soil is not too acidic. Keep the soil pH roughly neutral, from 6.0 to 7.0.
Water: When you first plant your marigold seeds or plants, make sure they get regular water. Don't leave them in dry soil for more than a couple of days. If it is particularly hot and sunny, water new plants every day. Once they have had a few weeks to establish a good root system, they will be more drought-tolerant, but they will still bloom best if given weekly water.
Morning Glory
Ipomoea purpurea
The brightly colored trumpet-shaped flowers of the morning glory have a slight fragrance and are popular with butterflies and hummingbirds. The buds are twirled up tightly and unfold when the sun hits them in the morning, giving them their name.
Common morning glory vines grow by clinging to nearby supports with tendrils, rapidly growing up to 12 feet or more during the season.
Light: Full sun is especially important. The flowers will only open when they are in direct sunlight, so daily exposure to full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours a day) will give you the longest amount of bloom time.
Soil: Morning glories do best in soil that is moist but well-draining. A neutral soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8 is best, but morning glories will grow just about anywhere.
Water: Provide your morning glories with regular water, about one inch per week.