Marigold

Tagetes spp. · Flower

A tough, sun-loving annual with pompom or daisy-like flowers in yellow, orange and red. It is one of the easiest plants to grow from seed and blooms from early summer until frost. Many gardeners tuck it between vegetables for color.

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun, 6–8 hours

Water

When the top 1 in is dry; tolerates short dry spells

Soil

Average, well-drained soil, pH 6.0–7.0

Temperature

Best 65–85 °F; killed by frost

Spacing

8–12 in for small types, 18–24 in for tall ones

Container

At least 1 gallon, 6–8 in deep per plant

Bloom

Blooms about 8 weeks after sowing until frost (estimated)

Lifespan

Annual

When?

Sow outdoors after the last frost, once the soil has warmed, or start indoors 4–6 weeks earlier. Plants often reseed themselves in mild gardens (estimated).

Step by step

1. Sow seeds 1/4 in deep; they sprout in 4–7 days in warm soil.
2. Thin seedlings to the spacing for your variety.
3. Water at the base and let the surface dry between waterings.
4. Skip rich fertilizer; too much feeding gives leaves instead of flowers.
5. Deadhead faded flowers every few days to keep new buds coming.
6. Stake tall varieties in windy spots.
7. Save seed from dry flower heads at the end of the season if you like.

Common problems

Pets

Listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic to cats and dogs; eating it may cause stomach upset, and the sap can irritate skin. Keep pets from chewing it; if in doubt, ask your vet.

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