Growing Tagetes (Marigold)

Latin Name Pronunciation: tah-jee' deez

Although plants in the genus Tagetes are grown throughout the world, they originate in southwestern North America. These cheerful, low-maintenance annuals always bring a smile, whether growing in the perennial, herb, or vegetable garden, a container, or displayed in a vase (they’re excellent, long-lasting cut flowers). Pollinators are attracted to their composite flowers, but deer and rabbits seem to be put off by the aromatic foliage.

Light: Marigolds require full sun.

Soil/Fertilizer: Plants will thrive in average, moderately fertile well-drained soil, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Should you choose to fertilize, select a slow-release granular formulation, preferably organic. Apply fertilizer with a light hand when plants are actively growing, and avoid getting it on the foliage. Overfertilized plants will grow lush foliage, fewer flowers, and become susceptible to root rot. Plants grown in containers, where nutrients wash out with more frequent watering, should be fed regularly with a water-soluble, low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as our All Bloom, according to directions.

Watering: Once established, Marigolds are quite resilient and tolerant of drought. With low- to-medium water needs, plants benefit from thorough watering at their base during spells of especially hot, dry weather; avoid overhead irrigation.

Pests/Diseases: Fungal foliage diseases may occur if plants are crowded or grown in a humid environment without good air circulation.

Care: We encourage you to pinch growing tips as your plants begin actively growing, to encourage branching. Deadhead flowers as they finish blooming to promote more blooms. The more you cut flowers for indoor arrangements, the more plants will branch out and bloom.

Companions: Set tall Marigold varieties into the garden with equally sun-loving and vibrant Black-eyed Susans, maroon-flowered Dahlias, and perennials with dark foliage, or surround them with the feathery lightness of Ammi visnaga ‘Green Mist’ or Daucus carota ‘Dara.’ Shorter Marigolds look great with silvery Senecios and contrasting blue-flowered Ageratum, Angelonia, and Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria Blue.’

For information on planting and care of annuals, click here.