can you grow marigolds indoors

Growing marigolds indoors allows you to enjoy their blooms year-round regardless of the weather conditions outside. However, this plant has a significant thirst for sunlight, which means they'll only thrive indoors near a suitably sunny window or with a supplemental grow light.

How long can marigolds live indoors?

Garden marigolds are annuals, which means they germinate, grow, bear flowers and die all in one growing season. Generally, their maximum lifespan is less than a year, even when they're started early in the year indoors instead of starting from seed directly in the garden.

Do marigolds grow well in pots?

Any type of marigold can be grown in containers, but keep in mind that some types, such as African marigolds, can reach heights of up to 3 feet (1 m.) and may be too large for standard containers. Most gardeners like to plant smaller container grown marigolds.

Will marigolds come back year after year?

Annual marigold plants do not remain alive from one year to the next. The plants that decorate your beds and patio containers in summer are destined to die that same year. But that doesn't mean you won't see more flowers the following spring. Marigolds and other annuals produce flowers, and those flowers produce seeds.

When should I start marigolds indoors?

When to Start Indoors

If you decide to start your seeds indoors, plan to sow them 6-8 weeks before your average last frost date. Allowing your marigolds 6-8 weeks of growth before setting them out will give them a jump start, and you'll enjoy the blooms earlier than if you were to sow them directly in the garden.

Will marigolds grow in shade?

Once planted, marigolds grow rapidly with no fuss. Most thrive in full sun, taking hot, sunny exposures in stride. Marigolds can even handle the reflected heat and light of paved surfaces as long as they get regular moisture. However, marigolds will tolerate up to 20% shade if there is bright light the rest of the day.

Will marigolds spread?

They'll begin to bloom approximately 45 days after planting. Marigold flowers tend to be in bright hues of yellow, orange and red, and many shades in between. ... In addition, most varieties are self-seeding, so they spread throughout the flower bed or garden year after year.

What can you not plant near marigolds?

Marigold companion planting enhances the growth of basil, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, gourds, kale, potatoes, squash and tomatoes. Marigold also makes a good companion plant to melons because it deters beetles. Beans and cabbage are listed as bad companion plants for marigolds.

How do you keep marigolds blooming?

Marigolds don't require deadheading, but if dying blossoms are regularly removed, it will encourage the plant to continue blooming profusely. When you water marigolds, allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings, then water well and repeat the process. Water more in high heat. Do not water marigolds from overhead.

Do marigolds repel mosquitoes?

Marigolds, an easy-to-grow annual flower, emit a smell that deters mosquitoes. ... Marigolds are also a popular addition to borders and vegetable gardens. According to NYBG, not only can they keep away mosquitoes, but they also dissuade aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms.

Are marigolds poisonous to dogs?

Marigolds (Tagetes species) may cause mild irritation to the gastrointestinal tract when ingested. The sap from the plant may also cause irritation to the skin if dermal exposure occurs. Calendula officinalis (pictured here) may also be referred to as pot marigold and is considered non-toxic following ingestion.

Do you deadhead marigolds?

Deadheading marigold plants keeps those cheery flowers coming. ... Removing spent marigold flowers is a process that should continue as long as the plants are in bloom. If you want to know when to deadhead marigolds, start when you see the first faded blossom and keep on marigold deadheading all summer long.

Why Marigold is not a flower?

Marigolds in excessively rich (or over-fertilized) soil may be lush and green, but may produce few blooms. This is one of the primary reasons for marigold plants not flowering. ... In shade, they may produce foliage but few blooms will appear. Lack of adequate sunlight is a very common reason for no flowers on marigolds.

Should I soak marigold seeds before planting?

Large seeds such as sunflowers and nasturtiums benefit from soaking in warm water overnight. Other flower seeds that will germinate faster include moonflowers, lupins, sweet peas and morning glories. ... Smaller seeds such as zinnia and marigolds can be soaked as well.

What do marigolds smell like?

* Marigolds: These brightly colored annuals are extremely popular bedding plants--at least from a distance, according to Berghage; Robert Nuss, Penn State professor of ornamental horticulture; and Jay Holcomb, professor of floriculture. “They have an overpowering musky smell like wet hay or straw,” Berghage said.

What do marigolds keep away?

Marigolds – The marigold is probably the most well-known plant for repelling insects. French marigolds repel whiteflies and kill bad nematodes. ... And while this plant drives away many bad bugs, it also attracts spider mites and snails.

What flowers bloom all summer in the shade?

Perennials For Shade That Bloom All Summer!

Geranium – Perfect Flower for Shade Gardens! ...
Astilbe – Shade Perennials That Are Repeat Bloomers. ...
Spiderwort – Perennials Flowers for Shade or Sun. ...
Hardy Fuchsias – Part Shade Perennials That Bloom All Summer. ...
Campanula (Bellflower) – Blue & Purple Perennial Flowers for Shade.

Do marigolds prefer sun or shade?

When & Where to Plant Marigolds

Light: Full sun, to partial shade. Soil: Marigolds prefer fertile soil, preferably loose and loamy with adequate drainage, yet can also tolerate dry conditions. Spacing: Sow seeds directly in the garden 1-inch apart, or in seed trays to transplant with root system is established.

Do marigolds attract bees?

Their sunny, golden lion-like heads are an excellent foil for other blooming plants, and marigolds bloom all season. ... The plants do not repel honeybees, however. Marigolds and honeybees go together like beans and rice. So increase your marigolds and honeybees will come flocking.

Why do my marigolds keep dying?

Among the most common marigold diseases are blights, rots, and mildews. Usually, these types of diseases show up when conditions are wet and warm, and fungal spores are rampant. In most cases, simply discontinuing overhead watering can stop the formation and spread of spores.

How many times do marigolds bloom?

Give them full sun and some well-draining soil and watch them bloom from late spring until fall. Marigold seeds germinate quickly, within just a few days, and bloom in about 8 weeks.

Do marigolds need a lot of water?

Established marigolds in garden beds need a good soak once each week. Give them enough water so that the soil is moist to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. If the weather is unusually hot or windy, they'll need extra water. Water marigolds in pots when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry.