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There are approximately 50 species of marigold, but the 3 most common are: Tagetes patula (French marigold): The most common type found in local nurseries, these range in size from 6 to 12 inches tall and 6 to 9 inches wide. They are compact annuals with double flowerheads up to 2 inches across.
How much space do marigolds need?
In planting beds, space African marigolds 10 to 12 inches apart, while French marigolds should be 8 to 10 inches apart. If you’re planting marigolds into containers, use a pot that’s at least 10 inches across for African and larger French types.
Will marigolds spread?
Do marigolds spread? Marigolds are rapidly growing plants and most varieties are self-seeding, which means they will drop seeds and spread throughout your yard or garden. Limit the ability to self-seed by deadheading before blooms go to seed.
Do marigolds come back every year?
Do Marigolds Come Back Every Year? The most common types of marigolds for garden planting are annuals. This means that they sprout, flower and die within the same year. However, the flowers do tend to come back the following year due largely to their ability to self-seed.
Do marigolds come in different sizes?
Little Hero marigolds, which are only six to eight inches in height; it is a dwarf variety but still produces double carnations of yellow, orange, and maroon. Bounty marigolds, which are usually red, gold, and orange in color; are roughly two inches in diameter; and grow between ten and twelve inches in height.
Where is the best place to plant marigolds?
Most marigolds prefer to be located in an area with full sun but will tolerate some shade. During times of extreme heat, some afternoon shade is beneficial. T. erecta varieties should be planted in an area protected from strong winds and damaging rainfall.
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.
Are marigolds fast growing?
Marigolds are incredibly easy-going and reliable under a wide range of growing conditions. 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.
Do marigolds need a lot of water?
Watering Established Plants 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 marigold flowers keep mosquitoes away?
These flowers are colorful additions to landscaping, but they have a distinctive smell that repels mosquitoes and other garden pests, including squash bugs and tomato worms. Marigolds contain a natural compound used in many insect repellents.
Do marigolds attract bees?
Marigolds are attractive to bees provided you choose a variety with open centers, so insects can easily find the yellow florets. Little ‘Gem’ marigolds fit this description, but they are not as long-blooming as many French marigolds, which are the preferred type among pollinators in my garden.
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.
Do marigolds need full sun?
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 grow big?
Plant height varies with the cultivar. Marigolds cover a full range of sizes from about 6 inches to 3 feet tall.
When should I buy marigolds?
The exception is African marigolds, which are best bought as young plants or started indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Marigolds sprout within a week in warm weather and plants typically produce blooms in about 8 weeks.
What do you do with marigolds in the winter?
Annual marigolds are frost-tender plants and will die in late fall after temperatures drop below freezing. Cut back the marigolds to the ground with clean shears, or simply pull them up roots after they die completely. Remove the trimmings from the bed so they don’t harbor pests over winter.
Why do you plant marigolds with tomatoes?
Marigolds and tomatoes are good garden buddies with similar growing conditions. Research studies have indicated that planting marigolds between tomatoes protects the tomato plants from harmful root-knot nematodes in the soil.
What grows well with marigolds?
Marigolds come in vibrant yellow, red, and orange hues, which can be beautifully paired with complementary colors of other flowers in the garden landscape. Try interplanting marigolds with allium, coreopsis, roses, salvia, bachelor buttons, lavender, and geranium plants for eye-catching appeal.
