Marigold Growing Guide

Tagetes

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Any sunny site with good drainage.

Position

Full sun to partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

None. Marigold cannot tolerate cold temperatures.

Feeding

Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting.

Spacing

Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 7" (20cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

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. Thin to 8 inches (20 cm) apart in all directions for dwarf varieties; allow 12 inches (30 cm) between very tall varieties.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

The 'Gem' marigolds (T. tenufolia) bear edible blossoms with a spicy, citrus flavor.

Harvesting

Marigolds make good short-stemmed cut flowers for small bouquets. Don't rush to pull up plants that stop blooming but look healthy, because they will probably come back into bloom.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Marigold

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail