Marigolds
Marigold flowers are a common plant for home gardens, and provide a colourful, compact addition. They consist of bright orange and yellow flowers that range in size. The plant grows quickly and blooms within a few months of planting. They are very low-maintenance and can act as a deterrent to pests that infect other plants.
Maturing timespan: 50-60 days
Season: Warm weather, late spring/summer
Exposure: Direct, full sun (6-8 hours per day)
Difficulty: Easy
Planting
Any soil will work for marigolds. Plant the seeds in an area that gets lots of sun. They can be planted directly into the soil, or indoors in small pots 6-8 weeks prior to the last seasonal frost date. Place the seeds 10-12 inches apart,
Caring for the Plant
When first planted, ensure to water the seeds regularly and keep the soil moist. After a few weeks, reduce to weekly watering for optimal blooming conditions. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. When the plants start to bud, pinch off the tops to encourage them to grow bushier. To stimulate the growth of new buds and blooms, pick dead flower heads back to the nearest set of leaves.
Harvesting
To harvest the flowers, strip of leaves that will be underwater. Marigolds can be dried by handing the blossoms upside down. Additionally, the flowers are edible and can be added to salads and other summer dishes.
Seed Saving Instructions
To save marigold seeds, let the flowers grow past their prime, until the petals are completely dry. This will occur when the seed pods or base of each flower turn brown and start to droop. When ready, pick the flowers and pull off the dry petals and leaves to reveal the inner seed pod. Gently rub the pod in between your hands, then pull each seed away from the base. Dry the seeds in a single layer on a paper towel, then store in a paper bag or envelope in a cool, dry location until use.
Sources
- Burke, N. (2023, September 28). How to save your own Marigold Seeds • Gardenary. Gardenary. https://www.gardenary.com/blog/how-to-save-marigold-seeds
- Iannotti, M. (2022, February 9). Grow the classic Marigold Plant. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-marigolds-1402909
- Marigold Flowers: Planting, growing, and caring for marigolds. Almanac.com. (2025, February 11). https://www.almanac.com/plant/marigolds