QA

Quick Answer: When Do You Plant Marigolds

When should you plant marigolds? Plant your marigolds in the spring, after the last frost. If you choose to start from seed indoors, you can begin the process about 2 months before the last expected frost. Seeds will germinate anywhere from 4 to 14 days in warm soil that has an average temperature of 70°F – 75°F.

When can I plant marigolds outside?

You can plant marigold seeds directly outdoors in the spring after the danger of frost has passed for your area or start seeds indoors up to about eight weeks before the last frost. Seeds usually germinate within four to 14 days in soil temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.

What time of year do marigolds flower?

Sow from March to May and they will flower from summer to autumn.

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.

How do you plant marigold seeds outside?

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.

How cold can marigolds tolerate?

Marigolds and Low-Lying Frost Temperatures of 40 F might not kill healthy marigolds, but when the air and ground around the plants hit the freezing mark, your marigolds will die.

Do marigolds keep bugs 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.

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.

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.

Can you plant marigolds close together?

Marigolds are pretty, low maintenance, and can help protect your garden from pests. Space African marigolds 10-12 inches apart and French marigolds 8-10 inches apart. For containers, use a 10-inch pot for African marigolds and a 6-inch pot for French marigolds.

Do marigolds flower all year round?

Marigolds have a long flowering season, which can be extended even further by regularly deadheading your plants.

How long do marigolds take to grow?

While it is very easy, starting marigolds from seed indoors offers no real advantage because they germinate so quickly outdoors. Seeds sown directly into the garden about 1-inch apart sprout within days in warm weather and plants bloom in about 8 weeks.

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.

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.

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.

Can you just scatter marigold seeds?

Marigolds can grow in a variety of soils, but they prefer rich, well-draining soil if they can get it. Scatter your seeds on the ground and cover them with a thin layer of very fine soil. Water gently and regularly over the next week to keep the soil from drying out.

Do you soak marigold seeds before planting?

Smaller seeds such as zinnia and marigolds can be soaked as well. Large seeds such as sunflowers and nasturtiums benefit from soaking in warm water overnight. After 24 hours, open and snip the coffee filter into bits that have two or three seeds inside.

Can marigolds survive frost?

Frost occurs when temperatures dip below freezing. Frost kills tender annual plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, impatiens, marigolds, and more. (Perennials have tougher roots and tops, and survive the winter.).