French Marigold Facts Learn How To Plant French Marigolds

These plants require full sun and well-drained soil. They also thrive in pots, and a pot of marigolds here and there will add a splash of color to your landscape. These marigolds should be planted deeper than their bedding container. They should also be planted about 6 to 9 inches (16 to 23 cm.)

How long do French marigolds take to grow?

Marigolds germinate quickly, sprouting within a few days and blooming in about 8 weeks, making them easy to grow from seed. Sow seeds directly outside after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm up.

What is the best way to plant marigolds?

Sow marigold seed directly in the ground and cover with a thin layer of soil (about 1/8 inch deep). Water thoroughly. Thin to 8-18 inches apart after seedlings have sprouted. Marigolds can also be started early indoors under grow lights for transplanting outdoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date.

Do French 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 is the difference between marigolds and French marigolds?

The African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) have large, double, yellow-to-orange flowers from midsummer to frost. ... African marigolds are also referred to as American marigolds. The French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are smaller, bushier plants with flowers up to 2 inches across.

Do Marigold come back every year?

The popular types of marigolds for garden planting are all annuals, sprouting, flowering – and dying in the same year. But they may come back the following year thanks to self-seeding.

How long do marigold plants last?

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.

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 can you not plant with 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.

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.

Do marigolds keep away 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 French marigolds poisonous to dogs?

The marigold plant can be mildly toxic to dogs when ingested and can also cause irritation when contact is made with the fur and skin. Though the effects of this plant are not life-threatening in any way, your pet may experience discomfort with exposure.

Do French marigolds self seed?

They're prolific self-seeders, so it's wise to weed here and there – I try to keep mine to the path edges, among the parsley. The most simple, and perhaps the most charming, is the pot marigold Calendula officinalis. This has brilliant orange single flowers and a long history as a kitchen garden plant.

What are French marigolds good for?

Bees and other beneficial insects – Marigolds attract ladybugs, parasitic wasps, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects that protect your plants from aphids and other harmful pests. The blooms, particularly single-bloom cultivars, also draw bees and other important pollinators.

Are marigolds the same as mums?

Mari-mums are large-flower marigolds, known botanically as Tagetes erecta, that are reminiscent of chrysanthemums. Many of them really look like the old-fashioned homecoming mums of the '50s and '60s, only smaller. These marigolds are often called “African marigolds,” although they are really from Mexico.

Is French marigold edible?

Edible Flowers*

All marigold flowers are edible (including calendula, also known as pot marigold)—but not all marigold flowers are tasty. For best flavor, grow Tagetes patula (French marigold), Tagetes tenuifolia (Gem marigolds) or Tagetes lucida (Mexican mint marigold).

Is a marigold a perennial or annual?

Are marigolds perennials or annuals? Actually, both! Most marigolds are annuals, but a few are perennials. Marigolds self-seed so they may appear to be a perennial when in reality, they are just coming back from seed.

Do marigolds need full sun?

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. ... In fact, marigolds bloom better and more often in poorer soil.

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.

How often should marigolds be watered?

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.

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.