
How Far Apart Do I Plant Marigolds?
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How cold can marigolds tolerate?
The common marigold (Tagetes erecta or Tagetes patula) grows where night temperatures do not drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In colder parts of the United States, marigolds are grown as an annual plant. Sandy Mitchell is an Ohio-based writer, blogger and editor.
When can I plant marigolds?
Young French and signet marigolds can be planted from spring through midsummer, but the tall African marigolds are best planted right away in the spring (after danger of frost has passed) because they are slower to mature and produce flowers. Find local frost dates here. Sow seeds directly into the garden once the soil is warm in the spring.
Do marigolds transplant well?
With their golden flowers and ferny foliage, marigolds (Tagetes spp.) add long-lasting color and texture to garden borders and beds. They respond well to transplanting and will quickly establish a productive new root system if planted after the soil warms in spring.
How to grow and care for marigolds?
Part 4 Part 4 of 4: Cultivating Your Marigolds
- Water your marigolds at the bottom, not from the top. Pouring water over the marigold blossoms and leaves may damage or even rot them.
- Deadhead your marigolds. "Deadheading" is a cultivating process in which you snip off dead blossoms from flowering plants.
- Use insecticidal soap to prevent infestation. ...
- Stake your flowers, if necessary. ...

Can marigolds be planted close together?
Nope, that's just one of the many garden myths that I grew up with. But when it comes to placing marigolds and tomatoes near each other, the science is in. There are many good reasons to grow the two plants together. By deterring the bad bugs and attracting the good, marigolds make excellent neighbors.
Do marigolds like to be crowded?
Marigolds will bush out, so there is no need to crowd them. While still in the pots, place the flowers in the bed, to see how you'd like them arranged. Dig the holes for your plants and pour lukewarm water into them. Place the seedlings into the holes, patting soil over the crown of the plant.
How far do marigolds spread?
They are compact annuals with double flowerheads up to 2 inches across. Tagetes erecta (African marigold): These are the tallest variety of marigolds and range in height from 1 to 4 feet, and have a 1 to 2 foot spread. Their large flowerheads can reach up to 5 inches across, are densely double and pompon-like.
What should marigolds not be planted near?
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.
What do marigolds repel?
Marigolds – The marigold is probably the most well-known plant for repelling insects. French marigolds repel whiteflies and kill bad nematodes. Mexican marigolds are said to offend a host of destructive insects and wild rabbits as well.
Do marigolds repel mosquitoes?
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.
What makes marigolds grow faster?
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.
Will marigolds come back every year?
Do Marigolds Come Back Every Year? The most common types of marigolds for garden planting are annuals. This means that they sprout, flower and die within the same year. However, the flowers do tend to come back the following year due largely to their ability to self-seed.
Should you cut off dead marigolds?
So it's no surprise you ask, “Should I deadhead marigolds?”. Experts say that deadheading is largely a matter of personal preference for most plants, but with highly modified annuals such as marigolds, it is an essential step to keep the plants blooming. So the answer is a resounding, yes.
What pairs well with marigolds?
Marigolds come in vibrant yellow, red, and orange hues, which can be beautifully paired with complementary colors of other flowers in the garden landscape. Try interplanting marigolds with allium, coreopsis, roses, salvia, bachelor buttons, lavender, and geranium plants for eye-catching appeal.
Can you plant lavender and marigolds together?
Yes! Marigolds can be planted with lavender and make great planting companions. They are both easy to establish, and require little to no maintenance. These drought tolerant plants can add many benefits to you and your surrounding plants.
What can I put with marigolds?
While you can plant marigolds alongside flowers of similar hues, you can also choose plants in complementary colors....Here are some common vegetables that enjoy marigold companions:Cucumbers.Melons.Eggplants.Squash.Potatoes.Lettuce.Pumpkins.Tomatoes.More items...•
Do marigolds spread?
Do marigolds spread? Marigolds are rapidly growing plants and most varieties are self-seeding, which means they will drop seeds and spread throughout your yard or garden. Limit the ability to self-seed by deadheading before blooms go to seed.
Do marigolds spread in pots?
One marigold is enough for a 6-inch (15 cm.) pot, but you can grow two or three in a 12-inch (30 cm.) pot, and five or more small plants in a large container with a diameter of 18 inches (45 cm.).
Should you cut off dead marigolds?
So it's no surprise you ask, “Should I deadhead marigolds?”. Experts say that deadheading is largely a matter of personal preference for most plants, but with highly modified annuals such as marigolds, it is an essential step to keep the plants blooming. So the answer is a resounding, yes.
Do marigolds come back year after year?
Do Marigolds Come Back Every Year? The most common types of marigolds for garden planting are annuals. This means that they sprout, flower and die within the same year. However, the flowers do tend to come back the following year due largely to their ability to self-seed.
How much light do marigolds need?
You may be wondering, how much light do marigolds need? Grow these reliable bloomers in an area of full sun that receives a minimum of 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Marigolds are resilient and hardy plants and can withstand a wide scale of temperatures and climates.
What color are marigolds?
Marigolds come in vibrant yellow, red, and orange hues, which can be beautifully paired with complementary colors of other flowers in the garden landscape. Try interplanting marigolds with allium, coreopsis, roses, salvia, bachelor buttons, lavender, and geranium plants for eye-catching appeal.
How to get rid of powdery mildew on marigolds?
Powdery mildew can also be combatted with a mixture of a gallon of water, ½ cup of baking soda, and a few tablespoons of dish soap. Spritzing this mixture on marigold plants at the first sign of disease will help to eradicate the fungus and keep it from spreading to other plants.
Why are marigolds good for gardeners?
Marigolds have a reputation for protecting vegetable gardens from pests, making them a best friend to gardeners. They have a scent that deters rabbits and other nibblers and also masks the smell of other crops and flowers, providing a shield of protection from pests. They have been beneficial against destructive:
What is companion planting?
This practice can enhance your garden design’s attractiveness, fight common pests, attract beneficial insects, attract pollinators, and amplify many vegetables’ overall flavor. Interplanting plants like marigolds with vegetables and individual flowers can bolster each other can significantly improve productivity in your garden .
How to harvest a sage bush?
To harvest, remove blossoms when the base is still a little bit green. Gently remove the petals and foliage, leaving behind the seed pod. Peel open the seed pod and uncover the long bi-colored slender seed bundles inside.
Is marigold an edible plant?
Marigolds are an edible plant, and they also have a unique scent that makes them a sought-after companion plant, deterring pests while accenting the garden landscape. Discover how to successfully utilize marigold, how to care for and grow, companion plant, and more. Check out the benefits of making them a staple in your garden year after year.
How far apart should I plant marigolds?
Sow the 1/2-inch-long, needle-like black-and-white marigold seeds 6 inches apart in garden beds or borders on top of well-drained, fine-crumbled soil. For container plantings, use a potting mix that includes peat and perlite, according to University of Missouri Extension.
How big do marigolds get?
At 6 to 12 inches tall and wide, French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are the smallest option. Larger African or Aztec marigolds (Tagetes erecta) reach 1 to 3 feet in height and width at maturity. Hybrids combine the best of both. Pot marigolds (Calendula officinalis) are staples in cottage-style, cutting and herb gardens.
How long does it take for marigolds to bloom?
Marigolds will bloom in approximately 50 days.
What color are marigolds?
Their summer-to-first-frost color show can range from electric orange to mellow yellow, flame-kissed mahogany to milky white.
When do marigolds bloom?
Available in heights from 6 to 36 inches in doubled, ruffled and carnation types, marigolds will bloom as early as March and as late as November, depending on time of planting and growing zone.
Can marigolds be planted in holes?
Purchase established marigolds with developed but not fully opened buds for instant gratification or to supplement what you’re growing from seed. Plant after danger of frost in holes predug to the same depth and slightly wider than the packs or pots.
Do marigolds make good houseplants?
Marigolds make attractive houseplants when placed in a sunny location.
How to grow marigolds in a pot?
Mix in a slow-acting granular fertilizer. Use about a teaspoon per plant of slow-acting granular fertilizer. This will give your marigolds the nutrients that they need to grow, and are active over a long period of time, about 8-12 weeks.
How to transplant marigolds?
Transplant the marigolds. Make a hole the size of the marigold root ball in the soil you are transplanting to. Gently remove the marigold plant, keeping some of the planting material around the roots of the plant. Place the plant in the small hole, and pat more soil around the plant .
How often should I water marigolds?
Water marigolds at the base of the plant semi-regularly. The amount you need to water marigold plants depends on your climate, but you will want to try for around once a week. Be sure not to overwater marigolds because it can weaken the plant. Aim to keep the soil moist as opposed to wet.
How long does it take for marigolds to sprout?
Place the plant in direct light once germination begins. Your marigold plant should start sprouting within 5-7 days. Once the plant has started sprouting, you will want to place it in direct light for at least 6-8 hours everyday. Either place the pot by a window if you live in a sunny climate, or put the pot under a grow lamp.
How to keep marigolds alive?
Check your thermostat and make sure that your marigolds are being kept around this temperature. If needed, you can buy a heating pad to put under the pot to keep it at this temperature. Also make sure that you start growing your marigolds away from direct light until germination.
Why do deer avoid marigolds?
There is evidence that deer tend to avoid marigolds because of their strong scent. Having a border of marigolds around your garden won't guarantee that deer stay away, but it could be worth trying if you have a problem with deer in your yard.
What are the seeds of marigolds?
Marigold seeds are small and have a long, slender stick-like shape. They are mostly black with flax-colored split ends.
How much sunlight do marigolds need?
First, you’ll want to make sure your marigolds are able to get plenty of sunlight. Most varieties will need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day in order to keep a strong green color and vibrant blooms.
How tall do marigolds grow?
Given the different varieties, here’s a look at some of our popular varieties’ heights and spreads: 1 Bonanza Yellow marigolds: Up to a foot tall, with a spread of about 8 inches 2 Super Hero™ Spry marigolds: Grows 10-12 inches tall and wide 3 Bonanza Orange marigolds: Grows 10-12 inches tall and spreads 6-10 inches wide
Why are my marigolds wilting?
Root rot, a disease that different fungi can cause, may cause your marigold to wilt or shrivel up. The plant may be more prone to this disease if its over-watered or if its planted in soil that doesn’t drain well. Other disease, such as ones that may be more specific to your state, can stunt the growth or even kill marigolds.
Why do marigolds lose flowers?
If you are having an extreme heatwave you may notice that your marigolds lose their flowers or just don’t produce as much. This is normal. Continue to water and care for the plant and it will come out of the heatwave stronger than ever and will eventually begin blooming again.
Why do marigolds have root rot?
Root rot is always a probable disease in most areas when planting marigolds in soil that doesn’t drain well. Well-drained soil usually means that the soil is properly aerated as well. This provides the plants’ root system plenty of oxygen and promotes nutrients for the plant to feed off of.
Why cut back marigolds?
Cutting back a marigold plant can promote new growth and oftentimes will result in a healthier plant. If the plants’ blooming is slowing down, pinching off spent blooms can also encourage the plant to grow more vibrant blooms.
How big do Bonanza marigolds get?
Bonanza Yellow marigolds: Up to a foot tall, with a spread of about 8 inches. Super Hero™ Spry marigolds: Grows 10-12 inches tall and wide. Bonanza Orange marigolds: Grows 10-12 inches tall and spreads 6-10 inches wide. Marigolds’ height, spread and even bloom size will vary a good bit according to their variety.
How long does it take for a French marigold to grow?
Seeds need a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees F. (21-23 C.) to germinate. Once the seeds are planted, it takes 7 to 14 days for the plant to pop up.
When do French marigolds bloom?
These delightful flowers will bloom from early spring to frost. While growing French marigolds is easy enough, the care of French marigolds is even simpler. Once established, these flowers need little care other than watering when it’s quite warm or dry – though container grown plants require more watering .
What is a French marigold?
By: Donna Evans. Marigolds have been a garden staple for decades. If you need a shorter variety, French marigolds ( Tagetes patula) are not as upright as the African types ( Tagetes erecta) and are very aromatic.
Can you grow French marigolds from seed?
French marigolds can be easily grown from seed or purchased as bedding plants. As with most bedding plants, there are a few factors to take into consideration when you are thinking of how to plant French marigolds. These plants require full sun and well-drained soil.
How to harvest marigolds?
To harvest the leaves, snip off the head of the marigold and set it out to dry. Remove and crumble the petals. The flavor is describes as similar to saffron.
Why do we love marigolds?
We love marigolds because they play nicely with just about everything! Feel free to plant marigolds in your garden no matter what else you’re growing in there!
What is the best flower to use in a garden?
In a sea of green in your home garden, the marigold provides a burst of bright color, and a friendly companion to the rest of the garden’s vegetables. Consider the marigold as your garden’s first line of defense, as the flower acts as a natural deterrent to pests that plague vegetable gardens like nematodes, cabbageworms, and beetles.
Can you plant marigolds from seed?
Selecting a cultivar of marigold for your garden usually depends on which colors you’d like to add to the garden. Marigolds can be started from seed or seedling, both of which are readily available at nurseries and big-box stores. Whether you’re bordering your garden beds with marigolds for insect defense, or going for a more natural look by broadcasting seeds throughout your garden, the marigold is a very hand-off member of your garden once it takes root. They require no special care, and will thrive with the regular watering the rest of the garden receives.