How to grow marigolds

Growing marigolds: jump links

• Planting marigolds
• Caring for marigolds
• Propagating marigolds
• Growing marigolds: pests and problem-solving
• Marigold varieties to grow

Where to grow marigolds

Marigolds need full sun and a reasonably fertile, well-drained soil. Smaller marigolds make good edging plants for borders and do well in pots, while taller or larger-flowered marigolds can be grown in large pots or in borders. Marigolds do best in a sheltered site, particularly the large-flowered African marigolds, as the big blooms can be easily damaged by wind.

Tagetes marigolds can be used as what is referred to as ‘companion plants’, because their leaves are strongly aromatic and this scent deters some pests. A popular companion planting technique is to plant tagetes marigolds around tomato and cucumber plants to deter whitefly, particularly in a greenhouse.

How to plant marigolds

Tagetes marigolds flower within a few weeks of sowing and can either be sown indoors in early spring to flower from early summer or sown outside in late spring, for later blooms. For early sowings indoors, sow seed in a warm place, transplant the seedlings into small pots or modular trays, and grow on in a warm, well-lit place. Plant outside once the frosts have passed, first hardening off (acclimatising plants to the outside) over a couple of weeks.

Alternatively, sow outside in late spring directly where plants are to flower. Sow the seed thinly into moist well-prepared soil and thin the seedlings to 10-20 cm apart, depending on variety size.

In borders, improve poor soil with well-rotted compost or soil conditioner. Use peat-free multi-purpose potting compost for pots. Water in well after planting.

How to care for marigolds

As long as marigolds are planted in reasonably fertile soil, little care is needed apart from an occasional thorough watering during dry spells. Removing the dead heads encourages more flowers to be produced, while pinching out shoots of tall varieties can encourage bushy growth.

Water pot-grown marigolds regularly and apply a liquid fertiliser every 7-14 days from midsummer onwards.

How to propagate marigolds

Tagetes marigolds are tender and will die during the first frosts of autumn. Try saving seed from them beforehand and use it to propagate new plants the following spring.

Growing marigolds: problem solving

African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) have large heads of double flowers which can rot in wet summers. In areas prone to damp weather, grow other varieties of marigold with smaller flowers.

Marigolds need free-draining soil and, if the ground is heavy and poorly drained, they may develop grey mould or root rots.

Marigold varieties to grow

French marigolds, Tagetes patula

These bear double flowers to 5cm across, on short plants to 30cm high. ‘Durango’ series bears extra-large blooms in a range of yellow, orange and red shades. ‘Naughty Marietta’ has single yellow blooms prettily blotched with maroon. 'Crackerjack' has tall double blooms in shades of orange and yellow.

Height x Spread: 30cm x 15cm

• Buy French marigold seeds from Primrose

African marigolds, Tagetes erecta

These are taller than French marigolds and more substantial, with large double blooms up to 10cm across. Varieties include ‘Vanilla’, which has frilly, fully double, creamy yellow flowers. ‘Marvel Mixed’ is short, with big pompon-like blooms. 'Dune Mixed' is a mix of yellow, gold and orange pompons.

H x S: 45cm x 20cm

• Buy marigold 'Dune Mixed' seeds from Thompson & Morgan

Afro-French marigolds, x Tagetes

These bear smaller blooms, 3-5cm across. ‘Zenith Mixed’ is a robust grower that stands up well to wet weather, with brilliant yellow or orange flowers.

H x S: 40cm x 20cm

• Buy marigold 'Zenith Mixed' seeds from Primrose

Signet marigolds, Tagetes tenuifolia

Signet marigolds bear masses of small single blooms, growing up to 45cm high. Varieties include ‘Lemon Gem’, with pale yellow flowers and ‘Golden Gem’ is a rich golden yellow.

H x S: 45cm x 20cm

• Buy marigold 'Lemon Gem' seeds from Dobies