Marigolds grow quickly and are easy to care for. They are native to Mexico and Central America and thrive in sunny, hot conditions. Marigolds make a lovely addition to any garden. Marigolds are not only known for their vibrant, cheerful flowers, but they also make great companion plants. They attract pollinators and repel pests.

Marigolds are perennial plants that can reach a height of up to four feet, depending on the species. These carnation and daisy-like blooms, members of the Asteraceae, can self-seed. This makes them look like perennials. The majority of marigolds are annuals, which can be grown in zones 2 to 11. Learn more about marigolds and how to plant them in your garden.

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Marigolds are easy to plant.

Plant marigolds either from seed or mature plants.

From Seed

Plant marigold seeds within six to eight weeks before your last frost date. Sow seeds in a small pot or tray filled with commercial potting soil, lightly moistened, says Eric Groft, the CEO and Director of OvS and the author of Beyond Bold, a gardening book. He adds that you should cover the seeds in vermiculite and then cover your tray or pot completely with plastic.

The seeds will sprout in four to five weeks if you place the container in a warm, sunny area. Groft advises that you remove the plastic from the container and move it to an area where the container receives four to five hours of sunlight each day. He also recommends keeping the potting mixture moist but not soggy to prevent damping off. Once your seedlings begin to show new leaves, you can transplant your flowers outdoors.

As mature plants from a garden centre

Prepare a marigold bed in your garden at least two weeks prior to planting mature plants. Make sure it is in a place that gets plenty of sun and where water can drain easily. Water your marigolds the night before planting them in the soil. This will allow water to drain freely from each container, moisturizing their foliage, stems and roots.

Then, dig holes 8-10 inches apart. This guideline can vary depending on the species. Remove your marigolds and untangle roots. Fill each crevice of the planting hole with soil until you reach the base stem. You can use your hands to press the soil firmly and create an even top surface. Finally, water the soil to a depth of 4 inches. Your marigolds will grow even if they are left unattended once established.

Marigolds are the perfect companion plant for these 24 fruits and vegetables.

Marigolds are easy to grow.

Marigolds can be easily grown, and they can be planted in your garden or vegetable garden as a pest deterrent.

Light

Plant your marigolds under full sunlight for a large number of blooms. The plants will flower less if the light is low.

Water

Water your marigolds regularly, particularly when they are still young. Groft warns against leaving marigolds on dry soil for longer than a couple of days. In periods of extreme heat, it is best to irrigate new plants every day. He says that once the marigolds are established, they will become more drought-tolerant. However, they will still flower better if you water them weekly.

Fertilizer

Groft says marigolds don’t need additional fertilizer unless the soil is very poor. Compost can be added to the soil to improve drainage and increase nutrition. The best way to maintain marigolds in the long run is to deadhead them regularly.

Marigolds can also be used to enhance your green space: “These species are traditionally planted with vegetables, as they attract pests like aphids and some types of insects, such as spider mites, which could negatively impact the production of vegetables,” Groft says.

Marigold Care

Simple pruning can help your marigolds bloom throughout the season.

Pruning

Groft says that removing the early flower buds from marigold plants will result in bushing, which leads to a more lush main blooming period. By deadheading or removing flowerheads that have bloomed, you can keep the marigold plant-producing flowers into the fall.

Transplantation

Marigolds are a great choice for outdoor containers because of their vibrant colour and texture. They also respond well to being transplanted and establish new roots quickly in soil. Groft says that you can use “ordinary commercial potting soil” in any container. However, clay pots work best. No repotting will be necessary as the plant will be thrown out at the end of the growing season.

Marigold’s Most Common Varieties

You are likely to find these marigolds in your local garden centre or while searching for seeds. You can choose a variety based on the soil, sunlight, and purpose of planting.

Tagetes erecta (African marigolds)

African marigolds can be used in containers or bedding. They are distinguished by their large, bright yellow pom-pom flowers. The flowers of this variety begin to appear in the early summer. With correct deadheading, they continue to bloom well into autumn. The mature African marigold plant can reach a height of 3 feet.

Tagetes patula (French marigolds)

The French marigold is shorter and grows to a maximum height of 1 foot. It prefers to spread horizontally, resulting in a low but expansive ground cover. The ruffled petals of these marigolds range in colour from orange and yellow to russet and brilliant red. This variety can withstand more humid conditions.

Tagetes tenuifolia

Signet marigolds, on the other hand, are more simple, with five heart-shaped, ruffled leaves surrounding a sunburst in the centre. Drought-tolerant and hardy, these blooms are deer- and rabbit-resistant–which is why they are commonly used to line fruit and vegetable gardens.

Marigold Disease: How to Treat and Identify it

As with most plants, marigolds can be affected by rots and mildew. This includes Powdery Mildew, a fungus. What is a telltale sign your marigold has this disease? Fungal spores may be present if leaves are covered in a white residue. Powdery mildew can be a nuisance, but it is not fatal.

To prevent disease, you should still ensure that your marigolds have adequate air circulation. This can be done by leaving plenty of space between the plants. Groft suggests that “ground soaking” rather than overhead spraying should help.

Marigolds that are in distress: How to identify and fix the signs

Airflow and proper watering are crucial to preventing marigold distress. Groft advises that removing the affected plant material can help to limit the spread of the disease. If you can’t get rid of the infection, add compost to your soil. You may also want to add grit or sand if it is heavy clay soil.

A wilting marigold may also be a sign of thirst. Assess your plant and make sure you water it regularly. It’s important to avoid root rot, which can cause wilting. Use containers with good drainage (don’t use saucers) or soil that is well-draining if you are working in a garden bed.