The flame-bright flowers of marigolds light up the backyard throughout summer and provide a steady supply of fresh cut flowers for the house.
On top of that, these annual plants smell wonderful and lure beneficial insects that protect edible crops from predators.
It's easy to grow marigolds from seed, and they are available in bold, fiery shades of orange or gold marigolds are a welcome sight amongst your other flower bed ideas. Our guide has the lowdown on when to plant them outdoors.
When to plant marigolds
In this guide, we are looking at when to put in ready-grown plants. When you sow seeds indoors if you are growing in this way will usually pre-date transplanting outdoors by six to eight weeks before the last frost.
There are two main types: Calendula and Tagetes. Calendula are better for cutting, but both can be used for companion planting in the vegetable garden or for ornamental color. Our guide has details on when to plant marigolds of either type.
‘Plant marigolds in pots or use them to fill in holes in the summer perennial bed,’ says Ohio-based garden designer Ethan McGory. ‘They are very productive and easy to grow from seed.’
When to plant Calendula marigolds outdoors
Being a hardy annual, pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) can be sown direct into the soil outside in March, April, or May for summer flowers the same year. Alternatively, they can be sown direct into the soil outside in August or September for flowers the following year.
Once sown, thin the seedlings to 12in (30cm) apart, protect them from slugs, and water regularly (especially in dry, hot weather).
Pot marigolds (Calendula) can be bought as bedding plants from plant nurseries or as seedlings via mail order in May or June. Plant in well-drained soil or containers in sun.
When to plant Tagetes marigolds outdoors
‘Tagetes seeds can be sown outdoors after danger of frost has passed in your region,’ says Kelly Funk, President of Park Seed. In temperate climates (such as the northern US), this is May and June.
Sow these half-hardy annuals into moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in sun, around 10in (25cm) apart. ’When sowing outdoors, sow at a depth that is four times the width of the seed,’ advises Kelly.
Buy and plant Tagetes as ready-grown bedding plants in May or June. Use them to brighten gaps in borders, in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in sun. Alternatively, plant them in pots or window planters.
If you have grown your own plants from seed, harden them off before planting outside – for example, by placing them in a cold frame or by sitting the plants outside during the day for a week covered with fleece, then gradually remove the fleece.
FAQs
Do marigolds come back every year?
Calendula and Tagetes are annuals, so they only live for one year. However, if sown early and then deadheaded or regularly cut for the vase, marigolds will flower for months, sometimes from May to November. Calendulas will often self-sow, giving you more flowers the following year.
What should marigolds not be planted near?
There aren’t many plants that marigolds shouldn’t be planted near but avoid planting them near beans – a study published in Environmental Entomology showed French marigolds inhibited the growth of snap beans.
FAQs
Being a hardy annual, pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) can be sown direct into the soil outside in March, April, or May for summer flowers the same year. Alternatively, they can be sown direct into the soil outside in August or September for flowers the following year.
What month is best to plant marigolds? ›
When should you plant marigolds? Plant your marigolds in the spring, after the last frost. If you choose to start from seed indoors, you can begin the process about 2 months before the last expected frost. Seeds will germinate anywhere from 4 to 14 days in warm soil that has an average temperature of 70°F – 75°F.
When should you plant marigolds outside? ›
Sow marigolds in late spring, or set them out as bedding plants. In climates with long, hot summers, make a second planting in summer for great autumn color. Broadcast seed into cultivated soil so that the seeds are about 2 inches (5 cm) apart and one-half inch (1 cm) deep.
What are the best marigolds for cutting flowers? ›
African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are good for cutting for arrangements with long, sturdy stems and good vase life.
Where is the best place to plant marigolds? ›
Marigolds need full sun and a reasonably fertile, well-drained soil. Smaller marigolds make good edging plants for borders and do well in pots, while taller or larger-flowered marigolds can be grown in large pots or in borders.
What is the lowest temperature marigolds can tolerate? ›
Marigolds can handle a bit of a chill, but they draw the line at frost. They can survive down to about 40°F, but it's not a party they enjoy. To prepare for cooler nights, especially in the unpredictable shoulder seasons of spring and fall, think like a marigold. They'd probably grab a sweater if they could.
Does marigold come back every year? ›
The commonly planted French marigolds and African marigolds are annuals—they sprout, grow, flower, and die, all in the same year—but that doesn't mean they won't come back. Marigolds frequently self-seed, meaning their seed drops, overwinters, and germinates in the spring without any help from the gardener.
Is it too early for marigolds? ›
When to Plant Marigolds in the Garden. In Zones 9 and 10, marigolds can easily and happily grow in the frost-free days of June through late October. In other zones, start your seeds indoors 5–6 weeks before the last frost to get them up to size. Then plant them out into your frost-free spring or summer garden.
What not to plant with marigolds? ›
Marigold companion planting enhances the growth of basil, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, gourds, kale, potatoes, squash and tomatoes. Marigold also makes a good companion plant to melons because it deters beetles. Beans and cabbage are listed as bad companion plants for marigolds.
Do marigolds need sun or shade? ›
Marigolds are very easy to grow and grow fast, which makes them great for children or gardening newbies. Marigolds need full sun all day to provide blooms all season long. Three common types are French, African, and Signet. Marigolds naturally repel pests such as deer or rabbits since they find their odor offensive.
French marigolds can easily be started from seed, while African marigolds are best purchased as young plants (when started from seed, they can take a long time to flower). Optional: If soil is nutrient-starved, add some slow-release (granular) fertilizer in the planting hole.
Which marigolds are best for the garden? ›
French Marigolds (Tagetes patula) are an excellent plant to grow. They look lovely in planters, hanging baskets or ornamental beds or borders, but they can also be an excellent addition to your vegetable garden. In fact, they are ranked number one in our list of the best flowers to plant in the vegetable garden.
What animal will dig up marigolds? ›
The leaf damage is probably snails and slugs, both heavy night feeders. Try one of the slug baits to chase them away. And the pest that is digging could be a chipmunk or squirrel or even a rabbit — and yes — even though we plant marigolds to protect other plants, they still get eaten by pests.
How soon can you plant marigolds outside? ›
Wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting marigold seeds or marigold seedlings directly in your garden. Set out marigolds from spring into midsummer, but start African marigold plants as soon as the soil is warm because they take a long time to flower.
How many marigolds should I plant in my garden? ›
Marigold seeds are planted 1/2 inch deep, 4 per square foot, in the full sun.
Do you water marigolds every day? ›
When growing marigolds, check soil weekly: When the top inch is dry, it's time to water. (Marigolds growing in containers may need more frequent watering.) Each time you water, be sure to drench the soil, and aim the nozzle or spout of your watering device toward the base of the plants.
Do marigolds grow better in sun or shade? ›
Marigolds need full sun all day to provide blooms all season long. Three common types are French, African, and Signet. Marigolds naturally repel pests such as deer or rabbits since they find their odor offensive.
Do marigolds repel mosquitoes? ›
Plant a pretty repellent. Marigolds. These flowers are colorful additions to landscaping, but they have a distinctive smell that repels mosquitoes and other garden pests, including squash bugs and tomato worms. Marigolds contain a natural compound used in many insect repellents.
