Marigold Growing GuideUpdated 11 days ago

Marigolds are vibrant, easy-to-grow flowers that add color to your garden and help repel pests. Here’s how to successfully sow and grow marigolds:

When to Sow

• Outdoors: Sow marigold seeds after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F.
• Indoors: For an earlier start, sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings once the weather is consistently warm. Learn more about growing marigolds from seed.

Outdoor Sowing

• Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
• Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety.
• Marigolds are not picky about soil but thrive in compost-enriched soil.
• After sowing, water gently and keep the soil consistently moist until germination (5-7 days).

Indoor Sowing

• Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays or pots with a light, well-draining soil mix.
• Keep the soil moist and place the trays in a sunny spot or under grow lights.
• Transplant seedlings outdoors once they have 2-3 sets of true leaves and the frost danger has passed.

Care & Maintenance

• Sun & Water: Marigolds thrive in full sun and are drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
• Fertilization: Marigolds don’t usually require fertilization, but a light application of balanced fertilizer can be used sparingly. Check out types of marigolds to select the best varieties for your garden.

Pests & Diseases

• Marigolds are known for their pest-repelling qualities but can sometimes attract aphids or spider mites.
• Manage pests with insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
• Marigolds are disease-resistant, but good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering will help prevent fungal issues. Learn more about marigold problems.

Harvesting

• Cut Flowers: Harvest marigolds for cut flowers by cutting blooms when they are fully open.
• Drying: Marigolds can also be dried for use in crafts. Regular harvesting encourages more blooms, extending the flowering season.

Garden Use

• Marigolds are excellent for borders, containers, and companion planting with vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.
• Their pest-repelling properties make them a valuable addition to any garden, deterring harmful insects and attracting beneficial ones like bees and butterflies. Discover how marigolds work in containers and as companion plants.