Items 1 to 6 of 6 total
Items 1 to 6 of 6 total
Marigold
Uses:
- Container Filler
- Mass Planting
- Edging
- Veggie Companion Planting
Features:
- Drought Tolerant
- Continuous Blooming
- Deer & Rabbit Resistant
- Grow Quickly
Sunlight:
- Full Sun
- 6+ Hours of Direct Sun
Marigolds, known botanically as Tagetes, are blooming powerhouses for summer gardens and containers. The cheerful blooms range in color from golds, to yellows, reds, oranges, and white. Use them near veggie gardens to deter rabbits and repel whiteflies. Their continuous flowers will brighten container arrangements all growing season.
About Marigold
Genus
Tagetes
Species
50+
Family
Asteraceae
Common Names:
Calendula officinalis
Native To:
Central and Southern Mexico and several other Latin American countries
Plant Type:
Annuals
Foliage Type:
Herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
2-11
Flower Color:
Yellow, orange, white, gold, red
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring to fall
Growth Habit:
Compact
Attracts:
Butterflies
Tolerates
Drought
Resists:
Deer
How To Use Marigold In The Garden
Marigolds, botanically known as Tagetes, bloom relentlessly from late spring until the first hard freeze in winter. Their flowers, available in fiery shades of gold, yellow, red, orange, and white, attract beneficial insects while deterring common garden pests, like nematodes and aphids. The edible signet varieties add citrusy zest to dishes, while dense flowerheads thrive in heat with minimal watering. Their tolerance for poor soil makes them adaptable fillers in challenging spots.
Edge vegetable plots with compact French marigolds to mask brassica scents from pests. The signet varieties can be planted between tomatoes to disrupt soil nematodes, or clustered in terracotta pots near seating areas to repel mosquitoes. Use taller cultivars as trap crops for thrips, sparing ornamentals, or mass them along paths for bold color. For cut arrangements, harvest fully open blooms in morning coolness and pair them with zinnias for prolonged vase life.
Marigold Care
Marigolds require well-draining soil enriched with organic matter to support healthy growth. Plant them in areas that receive full sun, as they need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Water at the base of the plant during cooler parts of the day to prevent heat damage, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Fertilize sparingly, as excessive nitrogen can reduce flowering; a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied at planting time is typically sufficient.
Regular deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages continuous blooming and prevents the plant from directing energy toward seed production. In regions with frost, marigolds are treated as annuals and will not survive the winter; therefore, no special winter care is necessary. When growing marigolds in containers, select dwarf varieties that reach a manageable height of six to twelve inches to prevent toppling. Choose pots with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation, and use a well-draining potting mix to promote healthy root development.
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