Top Tips For Growing Marigolds From Seed at home
Marigolds have always held a special place in my garden, not just because of their vibrant orange and yellow hues but also because of their resilience, versatility, and great companion characteristics. Although they bloom during late spring, summer, and fall, they are especially dear to me once fall arrives, as they symbolize how the changing of the seasons can be just as beautiful.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing marigolds from seed is very easy and straightforward. And they will bloom within just 8 weeks! They bring a splash of sunshine to your garden while offering various benefits beyond their beauty.
In this post, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about growing marigolds—from the different types to the best planting practices, and tips on caring for these lovely flowers!
Contents:
Why Grow Marigolds?
You might be wondering why marigolds are such a popular choice among gardeners. Well, let me tell you, friend, these flowers are more than just a pretty face.
easy to grow
For starters, marigolds are incredibly easy to grow. If you tend to forget about watering or haven't quite mastered the art of plant care, marigolds are forgiving. They thrive in various conditions and are quite drought-resistant (depending on the type), making them a perfect choice for beginners.
pest-repelling properties
Another reason to grow marigolds is their pest-repelling properties. These flowers are natural insect deterrents, particularly effective against nematodes and aphids. If you've had trouble with pests, marigolds can be your garden's first line of defense. Plus, their strong scent helps keep mosquitoes at bay, which is a blessing during those warm summer evenings spent in the garden.
their beauty
But let's not forget their beauty! Marigolds are available in various colors—from bright yellows and oranges to deep reds. They add a cheerful vibe to any garden, whether you're planting them in borders, beds, or containers. And if you're into companion planting, marigolds are a fantastic option. They pair well with various vegetables, helping improve soil health and yield.
READ MORE: 12 Of the easiest flowers to grow
Types of Marigolds
Now that we've covered why you should grow marigolds, let's talk about the different types you can choose from. There are three main varieties of marigolds, each with its unique characteristics:
African Marigolds (Tagetes erecta)
These are the giants of the marigold family, often growing up to three feet tall. African marigolds have large, pom-pom-like flowers that come in shades of yellow and orange. They're perfect for the back of flower beds or as a bold statement in a container garden. They are more drought-tolerant than other varieties and require full sun to thrive.
French Marigolds (Tagetes patula)
French marigolds are the more compact cousins of the African variety, usually growing up to 12 inches tall. They are bushy, with smaller flowers ranging from yellow to deep red, often combining both. These are great for edging and are also ideal for container gardening. French marigolds are known for their longer blooming season, which can last well into the fall.
Signet Marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia)
Signet marigolds are a bit different in appearance. They feature small, dainty flowers with a citrusy fragrance. They grow about 1 to 2 feet tall and have finely divided foliage that almost looks like ferns. These marigolds are often used in salads due to their edible petals, which add a spicy, citrusy flavor.
Are Marigolds and Calendulas the Same?
One question that often pops up is whether marigolds and calendulas are the same. The short answer is no, but it's easy to see why there's confusion! Both plants belong to the Asteraceae family and share similar colors and bloom times, but they are distinct species with different characteristics.
Marigolds belong to the Tagetes genus, while calendulas are part of the Calendula genus.
Calendulas are often called "pot marigolds," which adds to the confusion. However, calendulas are more closely related to daisies and are known for their medicinal properties. They are often used in herbal remedies, teas, salads, and skincare products.
While both plants are easy to grow and add bright colors to your garden, they serve different purposes and have different care requirements.
READ MORE: 14 Edible flowers to delight your palette and plate
When to Plant Marigolds
When growing Marigolds from seed, timing is everything.
Spring Planting
In most regions, marigolds should be planted in late spring. These flowers thrive in warm weather, so waiting until the danger of frost has passed is essential. However, if you're in a warmer climate, you can plant them as early as March.
For those who are eager to get started, you can begin by sowing marigold seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last expected frost. This gives your plants a head start and allows you to enjoy their blooms earlier in the season. \
Just make sure to transplant them outside once the soil has warmed up and the temperatures are above 60°F.
Summer and Fall Planting
You can also plant Marigolds in late summer or early fall, but the success of this depends largely on your local climate.
Planting marigolds in late summer or early fall can be very successful in regions with mild winters and warm fall weather (zones 8-11). The warm soil and cooler temperatures are ideal for marigold growth, and they can continue to bloom well into the fall and sometimes even early winter.
In areas with cooler fall weather (zones 3-7), marigolds planted in late summer may not be as successful and have a shorter blooming period.
Young French and Signet Marigolds are the best varieties for summer and fall planting. African Marigolds take longer to mature.
Where to Plant Marigolds
Choosing the right location for your marigolds is crucial for their growth and overall health. These flowers love the sun, so pick a spot in your garden with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Marigolds can tolerate partial shade but won't bloom as profusely as in full sun.
Marigolds are quite adaptable when it comes to soil, but they do best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. If your garden has heavy clay or sandy soil, you should amend it with compost to improve its quality.
Marigolds are also relatively drought-tolerant, so they don't require constant watering, making them ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
We have marigolds planted mostly around the ends of our garden beds. Here are a few ideas on where you can plant them:
Interplanting: This involves planting marigolds directly among your vegetables or flowers. Space the marigolds throughout your garden so that they are evenly distributed among your crops. This method is particularly effective for small garden spaces or raised beds.
Rows or Clusters: Planting marigolds in rows or clusters at the ends of garden beds or between rows of vegetables can help create a more focused pest-repelling effect. This is a great way to protect specific plants that are more susceptible to pests.
Rotational Planting: Since marigolds are annuals, you can rotate them around your garden each year, focusing on different areas where pests might have been an issue. This not only helps with pest control but also adds variety to your garden design.
Growing Marigolds from Seed
Starting marigolds from seed is a cost-effective and very easy approach as they germinate so easily. It's also incredibly satisfying seeing something bloom that you planted a few weeks before!
Here's a step-by-step guide to growing marigolds from seed:
Choose Your Seeds
Decide whether you want to grow African, French, or Signet marigolds. Each variety has its unique growth habit and bloom time, so choose one that fits your garden's needs.
Preparing the Garden Bed
Choose a Sunny Spot: Marigolds thrive in full sunlight, so pick a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
Soil Preparation: Marigolds are not too fussy about soil quality, but they do best in well-draining, moderately fertile soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with compost or sand to improve drainage. Loosen the top few inches of soil to create a fine seedbed.
Remove Weeds and Debris: Clear the planting area of weeds, rocks, and any debris. This ensures that the marigold seeds have the best possible start without competition for nutrients.
Sowing the Seeds
Spacing: Depending on the variety of marigold, space the seeds according to their mature size. For smaller French marigolds, space the seeds about 6 to 8 inches apart. Larger African marigolds need more room, so space these seeds about 12 to 18 inches apart.
Planting Depth: Marigold seeds are small and should be planted shallowly. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep into the soil. You can do this by lightly pressing the seeds into the soil and then covering them with a thin layer of soil.
Watering: After planting, water the area gently but thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) until the seeds germinate. Watering should be done with care to avoid washing away the seeds.
Germination and Early Growth
Germination Time: Marigold seeds typically germinate within 5 to 7 days, depending on soil temperature and conditions. You'll see tiny seedlings emerging from the soil within a week.
Thinning: Once the seedlings have grown a couple of inches tall and have their first true leaves, you may need to thin them out if they are too crowded. This ensures that each plant has enough space to grow and reduces competition for nutrients. Thinning is particularly important for larger marigold varieties.
Continued Care: Continue to water the young plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Once the plants are established, they can tolerate some drought, but consistent watering will encourage more prolific blooming.
Flowering: You can expect blooms within 8-10 weeks!
Growing Marigolds in Containers
If you're short on space or simply love the idea of having flowers on your patio, growing marigolds in containers is an excellent option. These flowers are well-suited for container gardening, and their compact size makes them easy to manage.
Here are the steps for growing marigolds in containers:
Choose the Right Container: Select a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter for most marigold varieties. Ensure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Use Quality Potting Mix: Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix. You can add some perlite or sand to improve drainage if needed.
Planting: You can either transplant seedlings or sow seeds directly into the container. If planting seeds, cover them lightly with soil and water gently.
Watering: Container plants dry out faster than those in the ground, so check the soil regularly. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Sprouting: Marigolds sprout within a week in warm weather and plants typically produce blooms in about 8 weeks.
Fertilizing: Marigolds in containers will benefit from a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. This will help them maintain vigorous growth and prolific blooming.
Placement: Position the container in a sunny spot where the marigolds will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Growing marigolds in containers not only adds beauty to your outdoor spaces but also gives you the flexibility to move the pots around, ensuring they get the best possible light and conditions.
How Long Do Marigolds Bloom?
Marigolds are known for their long-lasting blooms, which can brighten up your garden from late spring until the first frost. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, marigolds can bloom continuously for 8 to 10 weeks or even longer.
French marigolds are particularly noted for their extended blooming season, often continuing to produce flowers well into the fall.
To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead the spent flowers regularly. This process involves removing the faded blooms, which directs the plant's energy into producing more flowers rather than setting seeds.
In addition to deadheading, providing your marigolds with regular watering and occasional feeding will keep them blooming their best.
With the right care, marigolds can offer months of vibrant color, making them a fantastic investment for any garden.
Companion planting marigolds and lettuce in containers!
Caring for Marigolds
Caring for marigolds is relatively straightforward, which is why I love them so much!
However, like all plants, they do have a few basic needs to keep them healthy and looking their best.
Watering
While Marigolds are drought-tolerant, they do appreciate regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, which helps prevent powdery mildew. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather, and more often if they're in containers.
Fertilizing
Marigolds aren't heavy feeders, but a little fertilizer can go a long way. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time. If you notice the leaves turning yellow or the plants not blooming as much, a dose of liquid fertilizer can boost them. We prefer to fertilize with compost, keeping things as natural as possible!
Deadheading
As mentioned earlier, removing spent flowers encourages the plant to produce more blooms. This simple task can extend the blooming period and keep your garden looking fresh.
Pest Control
Marigolds are generally pest-resistant, but they can occasionally attract spider mites, slugs, and aphids. If you notice any pests, treat them with insecticidal soap or a mixture of water and dishwashing soap. For spider mites, a strong spray of water can dislodge them.
Disease Prevention
Marigolds are susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in humid and wet conditions. To prevent this, water the plants in the morning at the roots, trying to avoid wetting the foilage. Ensure they're planted with enough space for good air circulation.
Companion Planting with Marigolds
One of my favorite things about growing marigolds is their role in companion planting. We love to garden as organically as possible, using mostly natural methods, so Marigolds are a must!
These flowers aren't just eye candy—they're workhorses in the garden, helping to improve the health and productivity of other plants.
Here are some of the reasons marigolds are so effective in companion planting:
Pest control
Marigolds are particularly effective when planted alongside vegetables. Their strong scent deters many common garden pests, including aphids and whiteflies. This makes them an excellent companion for tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, brassicas, squash, and herbs often targeted by these pests.
Nematode Control
Certain marigold varieties, particularly the French marigolds (Tagetes patula), produce compounds in their roots that are toxic to harmful nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic worms that can damage plant roots, especially in vegetable gardens. By planting marigolds, you can naturally reduce the nematode population in your soil.
This is particularly beneficial when growing root crops like carrots and potatoes, which are prone to nematode damage.
Attracting Beneficial Insects
Marigolds attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps, which prey on garden pests. These beneficial insects help maintain a natural balance in your garden, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Soil Health
Marigolds can improve soil health by suppressing weed growth and helping to break down organic matter. They also have a relatively shallow root system, which means they don’t compete heavily with other plants for nutrients.
Growing marigolds from seed is one of the simplest and most rewarding gardening endeavors you can undertake.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, these flowers are an easy way to bring color, beauty, and even some pest control to your garden.
With so many varieties to choose from and their straightforward care requirements, I believe marigolds are a must-have for any garden!
So, why not give marigolds a try this season? Whether you grow them from seed, in containers, or as companion plants, I'm sure you'll find them to be a delightful addition to your garden!
Another reason I love marigolds? To use them in other ways than just in the garden! Here are some fun projects for you to try, using marigolds: