How to grow marigolds

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

Where to grow marigolds

Plant marigolds where you can enjoy their colourful displays, such as around patios, seating areas, or in window boxes. 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 thrive in a sheltered site, and shelter is particularly important for African marigolds as the big blooms can be easily damaged by wind.

Marigolds need full sun to encourage plenty of flowers and do best in a reasonably fertile, but well-drained soil. In borders, improve poor soil with well-rotted compost or soil conditioner in advance of planting. Use peat-free, multi-purpose potting compost for pots.

When 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 marigolds outside after all danger of frost has passed. Depending on your region, this is usually between early May and early June. Harden the plants off by gently acclimatising them to outside conditions, 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 10-20cm apart, depending on variety size.

How to care for marigolds

Keep marigolds watered regularly for the first few weeks until plants have established. Thereafter, little care is needed apart from an occasional thorough watering during long dry spells. Water pot-grown marigolds more regularly. You can boost flowering potential by applying a liquid fertiliser every fortnight in summer, but it isn't necessary.

Removing dead and faded flower heads keeps plants looking good and encourages more flowers to develop. On taller varieties, pinch out long shoots to encourage bushy growth. Once marigolds have finished blooming or have been killed by frost, pull up plants and add to the compost bin.

How to propagate marigolds

Tagetes marigolds are tender and will die during the first frosts of autumn. But it's easy to save seed from the spent flowers, simply cut the flowerheads into a paper bag and keep in a cool, dry place before sowing again the following spring.

Pests and diseases

Marigolds are not susceptible to pests and diseases when grown in their favoured conditions of sun and well-drained soil. If grown in ground that is heavy and poorly drained, plants may develop grey mould or root rot.

During wet summers, the large flower heads of African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) can hold moisture and rot. In areas prone to damp weather, grow other varieties of marigold with smaller flowers.

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 Suttons

African marigolds, Tagetes erecta – these are taller than French marigolds and are 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 – 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 Dobies

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

Frequently asked questions

What are marigolds good at keeping away?

The strongly aromatic scent of marigolds helps deter some insects, which makes them useful ‘companion’ plants. A popular companion planting technique is to plant marigolds around tomato or cucumber plants to deter whitefly.

Are marigolds poisonous to pets?

Marigolds are not poisonous to pets, including cats and dogs. If eaten in quantity, marigolds may cause mild intestinal upset, though the strong smell of the flowers and foliage generally renders plants unpalatable to animals.