Marigolds are annuals that are beautiful and hardy whether they're planted in containers or directly in the garden. They offer large, long-lasting blooms with bold colors, and they are wonderful for companion planting in vegetable gardens, as they are known to help repel harmful pests.
When & Where to Plant
Direct sow Marigold seeds after all threat of frost has passed - it's recommended that you wait approximately 1-2 weeks after the final frost date. Marigolds can also be sown indoors approximately 50-60 days before your final frost.
Marigolds are tolerant of most types of soil, and enjoy warm, full sun conditions. They do best in rich, well-draining soil that remains moist, though once established can be somewhat drought tolerant as well. If planted in cool, or moist locations, Marigolds are susceptible to powdery mildew.
How to Plant
Sow Marigold seeds directly onto the surface of the soil and firmly compress. Don't cover your seeds, as Marigolds require sunlight in order to germinate.
Caring for Marigolds
Once planted, Marigolds require very little by way of care. Typically, you only need to water manually if the soil has gotten dry or dusty to the touch, or if it's been more than 2 weeks since any sort of natural rainfall. You can increase your blooms significantly by deadheading your spent blooms. Dried, spent blooms can be stored in a dry, cool location that gets minimal exposure to sunlight, and if planted, the seeds in the seed heads can produce additional marigolds the following year
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