Marigold Plant Instructions

Growing Marigolds

Marigolds are a hardy annual and the seeds can be planted directly outdoors a week or two after the last frost.   Marigold plants thrive in full sun and in moderately rich, moist soil that drains well. They are well-suited to growing in pots, window boxes, flower beds, and the vegetable garden.  They are a hardy annual that thrives in USDA Zones 3-10. Perfect for containers, borders, and cutting gardens, they attract pollinators. 

Sunlight: Marigold plants need a spot with full sun for bright, healthy blooms. They love sunshine, well-draining soil, and warmer climates, although you can certainly grow healthy plants in cooler climates too.

Soil requirements: Marigolds need well-draining soil with some organic matter. 

Planting: Many flower seeds can be planted as soon as the frost is fully out of the ground in the spring and the soil can be readily worked, but some seeds may require warmer soil to ensure that they will germinate and sprout. 

The general rule for planting seeds is that they should be planted three times as deep as the diameter of the seed. With very small seeds, this can be a matter of simply sprinkling a light dusting of soil over the seeds. But there’s no need to get out the tape measure; seeds aren’t all that picky and will often germinate regardless of soil depth.

Water: Marigold plants prefer consistent soil moisture, so water deeply several times each week. Marigolds don’t tolerate freezing conditions, so only plant them when the soil has reached at least 60 degrees F at night.

Color: Marigolds come in vibrant colors orange, yellow and orange/yellow combinations. 

Size: – Varieties reach 6-12 inches tall.

Bloom time: They are quick to grow from seed.  Average blooms appear in 8 – 10 weeks. Seeds can also be started from seeds indoors 4 – 6 weeks before the end of the frost season.

Deadhead:  Pinch off the dried seed head and gently remove the pedals to collect seeds for planting next year.