Marigold
Cheerful, peppery-scented, and nearly foolproof, the French marigold is summer's most reliable riot of gold, orange, and mahogany.
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A Garden Workhorse in Full Color
French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are compact, bushy annuals native to the highlands of Mexico and Guatemala, despite their misleading common name. Growing 6-12 inches tall, they produce densely doubled or single blooms in every warm shade from pale yellow to deep burgundy-red, often in bicolor combinations that look almost hand-painted.
Few annuals earn their keep as thoroughly as the French marigold. They bloom from early summer until hard frost, require almost no coaxing, and tolerate heat and drought that would sideline more delicate flowers. Gardeners have relied on them for centuries as edging plants, container fillers, and cheerful cutting-garden staples.
Planting & care
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date, or direct-sow after all frost danger has passed into well-drained, average soil. Marigolds are not soil snobs - overly rich, fertile beds actually encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Space transplants 8-10 inches apart in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Once established, water at the base and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to discourage root rot and fungal issues. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend flowering well into autumn. If plants become leggy in midsummer, shear them back by one-third and they will rebound with a fresh flush of blooms within two to three weeks.
Nature's Pest Patrol
Tagetes patula roots release a compound called alpha-terthienyl that suppresses soil nematodes, and the pungent foliage helps deter aphids, whiteflies, and even rabbits. Plant them as a border around vegetable beds - especially tomatoes and peppers - for a beautiful, low-effort layer of natural pest management.
How much sun does Marigold need?
Marigold grows best in full sun.
How often should you water Marigold?
Give it about 1 in per week.
When is Marigold ready to harvest?
Marigold is usually ready in blooms 8-10 weeks from seed; flowers summer through first frost.