Marigold.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Annual flowering plant

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

Up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide

Growth rate

fast

Hardiness

USDA 2 to 11

Bloom time

Late spring through fall

Care

Plant in well-draining soil and provide full sun for best results. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. They are relatively drought-tolerant once established but perform best with consistent moisture.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Feeding

Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer, or use a slow-release fertilizer at planting time.

Pruning

Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote more blooms.

Repotting

Annuals, typically grown from seed or transplanted as young plants; repotting is usually not necessary.

Soil

Well-draining, average garden soil

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

Temperature

18 to 32°C

Humidity

30 to 60%

Safety

People

Petals are edible in moderation, but may cause stomach upset if consumed in large quantities.

Pets

Non-toxic to pets.

Edibility

While some marigold varieties are considered edible, it's best to confirm the specific variety and source before consumption. Petals can be used as a garnish or in salads.

How to identify it

• Brightly colored, daisy-like flowers
• Frilly or ruffled petals
• Finely divided, aromatic foliage
• Varying flower forms (single, double)
• Distinct, pungent fragrance

Height

0.15 to 0.9m

Spread

0.15 to 0.6m

Leaves

green, dark green, evergreen

Flowers

yellow, orange, red, gold, 3 to 12cm

Common problems

• Spider mites — Tiny pests that cause stippling on leaves and webbing; thrive in hot, dry conditions.
• Aphids — Small, pear-shaped insects that cluster on new growth and can stunt plants.
• Leaf spot — Fungal disease causing spots on leaves, especially in humid conditions.
• Root rot — Caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to wilting and yellowing.

Growing it

Propagation

Seed

When to plant

Spring, Summer

Plant marigolds around your vegetable garden, especially near tomatoes and peppers, to help keep pests away naturally.

Grows well with

• Tomatoes — Marigolds are thought to deter nematodes and other pests that can harm tomato plants.
• Peppers — Their scent may help repel pests that affect peppers.
• Beans — Marigolds can deter bean beetles and other common pests.
• Cucumbers — Their presence may help deter cucumber beetles.

Keep away from

• Fennel — Fennel is known to inhibit the growth of many other plants, including marigolds.

Similar species

• Calendula — Calendula shares a similar daisy-like flower form and vibrant color but has different foliage and a less pungent scent.
• Cosmos — Cosmos have a similar airy, long-blooming habit but feature finer, fern-like foliage and different flower shapes.
• Zinnia — Zinnias offer a wide range of bright colors and bloom profusely, but their foliage and flower structure are distinct from marigolds.

Science

Native range

North and South America

Marigolds thrive in open, sunny areas with well-drained soil, often found in meadows or disturbed ground in their native habitats.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

Ornamental, Cut flowers, Companion planting, Natural dye

Questions people ask

How do I get marigolds to bloom more?

Regularly deadhead spent flowers and ensure they receive adequate sunlight and consistent watering.

Can marigolds be grown indoors?

Yes, marigolds can be grown indoors in a sunny window, but they generally perform best outdoors.

What's the best way to start marigolds?

Starting marigolds from seed indoors a few weeks before the last frost or sowing directly into the garden after the danger of frost has passed are both effective.

Why are my marigold leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Tagetes' is believed to honor Tages, a figure from Roman mythology who was the grandson of Jupiter and a skilled prophet. The common name 'Marigold' likely comes from 'Mary's Gold', referring to the Virgin Mary.

Good to know

• Marigolds are native to the Americas.
• Their strong scent is believed to deter some pests.
• They are often planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.
• The color of marigold flowers can range from yellow to orange to deep red.