How to Grow Marigolds

Marigolds germinate quickly, sprouting within a few days and blooming in about 8 weeks, making them easy to grow from seed. Sow seeds directly outside after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm up. Sow seeds 1 inch apart and water thoroughly after planting.

What conditions do marigolds grow best in?
Do marigolds come back every year?
How easy is it to grow marigolds?
How do you grow marigolds at home?
Should I soak marigold seeds before planting?
How long do marigold plants last?
Do marigolds multiply?
Are marigolds poisonous to dogs?
Should I deadhead marigolds?
What can you not plant with marigolds?
Do marigolds attract bees?
How often do you water marigolds?

What conditions do marigolds grow best in?

Marigolds thrive in full sunshine and can often withstand very hot summers. African and signet marigolds are drought tolerant, while French marigolds are more tolerant of wet conditions. If planted in shade and cool, moist areas, marigolds are prone to powdery mildew and won't bloom well.

Do marigolds come back every year?

Annual marigold plants do not remain alive from one year to the next. The plants that decorate your beds and patio containers in summer are destined to die that same year. But that doesn't mean you won't see more flowers the following spring. Marigolds and other annuals produce flowers, and those flowers produce seeds.

How easy is it to grow marigolds?

Marigolds are incredibly easy-going and reliable under a wide range of growing conditions. Once planted, marigolds grow rapidly with no fuss. Most thrive in full sun, taking hot, sunny exposures in stride. Marigolds can even handle the reflected heat and light of paved surfaces as long as they get regular moisture.

How do you grow marigolds at home?

Sow marigold seed directly in the ground and cover with a thin layer of soil (about 1/8 inch deep). Water thoroughly. Thin to 8-18 inches apart after seedlings have sprouted. Marigolds can also be started early indoors under grow lights for transplanting outdoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date.

Should I soak marigold seeds before planting?

Many sources recommend 8-12 hours and no more than 24 hours. Again, too much soaking and the seeds will start to decompose. If you use very hot water, the soaking time will decrease. We've always liked to use warm water and start the soaking at bedtime, then plant first thing in the morning.

How long do marigold plants last?

Garden marigolds are annuals, which means they germinate, grow, bear flowers and die all in one growing season. Generally, their maximum lifespan is less than a year, even when they're started early in the year indoors instead of starting from seed directly in the garden.

Do marigolds multiply?

They'll begin to bloom approximately 45 days after planting. Marigold flowers tend to be in bright hues of yellow, orange and red, and many shades in between. ... In addition, most varieties are self-seeding, so they spread throughout the flower bed or garden year after year.

Are marigolds poisonous to dogs?

The marigold plant is not toxic to dogs, but it can cause some irritation when in contact with the fur and skin in some sensitive dogs. Ingestion of this flower may result in an upset stomach for a dog that causes vomiting or diarrhoea.

Should I deadhead marigolds?

The flowering time for marigolds is extended by deadheading any spent blooms. ... If the marigold plants form seeds, they will stop blooming. Follow the flower stem down to the first set of leaves. This is the best place to deadhead the flower.

What can you not plant with marigolds?

Marigold – French Marigolds (Tagetes patula) produce chemicals that repel whitefly, Mexican bean beetles, root knot nematodes, and root lesion nematodes. Avoid planting them near beans.

Do marigolds attract bees?

Their sunny, golden lion-like heads are an excellent foil for other blooming plants, and marigolds bloom all season. ... The plants do not repel honeybees, however. Marigolds and honeybees go together like beans and rice. So increase your marigolds and honeybees will come flocking.

How often do you water marigolds?

Established marigolds in garden beds need a good soak once each week. Give them enough water so that the soil is moist to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. If the weather is unusually hot or windy, they'll need extra water. Water marigolds in pots when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry.