Marigold (Tagetes) is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). They are native to the Americas, but some species have become naturalized around the world. Marigolds are popular garden plants, grown for their colorful flowers and attractive foliage. They are easy to grow and require minimal care, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners. Marigolds come in a range of sizes, from dwarf varieties that reach just 6 inches tall, to tall varieties that can reach up to 3 feet in height. The flowers come in shades of yellow, orange, and red, and bloom from late spring to early fall. Marigolds are annual plants, meaning they will need to be replanted each year. They are also known for their pest-repelling properties, making them a great choice for organic gardeners.
Planning Your Garden With Marigolds
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Marigolds are usually annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season. |
| USDA Zone | Marigolds are hardy in USDA Zones 2-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Marigolds are generally considered to be frost-sensitive. They can, however, tolerate temperatures as low as 32, so they can be grown in cooler climates as long as they are protected from frost. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest marigolds is usually around 60 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown marigold plant is 12-24 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Marigolds should be planted about 8-10 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation. |
| Sun tolerance | Marigolds are very tolerant of full sun and can even tolerate partial shade. |
| Shade tolerance | Marigolds are tolerant of both full sun and partial shade. They will grow best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. |
| Water requirements | Marigolds require approximately 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. They should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to become thoroughly moist but not soggy. If the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings, the marigolds will suffer. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing marigolds depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1/2 to 1 pound per 100 square feet of soil. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing marigolds is 6.0 to 7.0. |
Why Marigolds are Popular
People like to grow marigolds for a variety of reasons. Marigolds are easy to grow, drought tolerant, and come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. They are also known for their ability to repel pests, making them a great choice for organic gardens. Finally, marigolds are known for their bright, cheerful colors, making them a great addition to any garden.
Companion Plants For Marigolds
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for marigolds include:
Common Pests For Marigolds
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow marigolds, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- thrips
- aphids
- caterpillars
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
