Guide to Growing Marigold - Tagetes
Tagetes tenuifolia - Signet Marigold
Some common names for Tagetes are Marigold, African Marigold, Dwarf Marigold, French Marigold, Aztec Marigold, American marigold and Signet Marigold. Information on pot marigolds.
Tagetes Patula – French Marigold by LoneWalkerNYC.
African Marigold by D.A.L. Both photographs under creative commons licence.
Quick Tagetes Growing Guide and Facts
Common Names: African Marigold, French Marigold, Mexican Marigold, Aztec Marigold.
Life Cycle: Half hardy annual, hardy annual.
Height: 4 to 85 inches (10 to 220 cm).
Native: Americas.
Growing Region: Zones 1 to 10.
Flowers: Summer until first frost.
Flower Details: Yellow, white, gold, orange. Daisy-like ray and disc florets.
Foliage: Pinnate. Toothed.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. A couple of weeks before the last frost. Spacing 6 to 30 inches (15 to 75 cm).
Sow Inside: Vermiculite. Water from below. Germination time: three days to two weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Seven or eight weeks before expected last frost. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight or afternoon shade in hot areas. Soil pH 6 to 7. Organic soil. Can survive in dry soils. Monthly feed. Regular watering. Pinch tips. Deadhead.
Miscellaneous: Pot Marigold belongs to the Calendula genus. French Marigolds are often grown as companion plants as their roots release substances that are able to destroy nematodes.
How to grow Marigolds
The seeds of Marigolds (Tagetes) should be sown outdoors a couple of weeks before the last frost of spring, marigold seeds should be lightly covered once sown. When planting Marigolds they should ideally be grown in a sunny area of the garden that receives shade in the afternoon. The soil that Marigolds grow in should be organically enhanced and of pH 6 to 7.
If starting off indoors, then sow the seeds of marigolds about 7 weeks before the last expected frost of spring; they should be transplanted outdoors following the last frost. Germination of marigold takes from three days to two weeks and should be done at about 20 to 24 degrees centigrade. It is important to water the young marigold seedlings from below. When putting out into the garden space small marigold varieties about 15cm apart; medium species 30cm apart and large marigolds from 45 to 60cm apart.
Caring for Marigolds
It is fairly easy to care for members of the Tagetes genus such as Marigolds. They are both hungry and thirsty plants so fertilize and water frequently. Pinch back tall marigold varieties when young to encourage bushiness and give them a support. Dead heading of marigold will prolong the blooming season. Marigolds are annuals so if you require more plants then they should be propagated form seed.