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š¼ Marigold Growing Guide
Bright, cheerful, and easy to growāmarigolds are garden favourites that do more than just look pretty. Learn how to grow them from seed with ease!
ā Quick Facts
- Botanical name: Tagetes spp.
- Type: Annual flowering plant
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Best for: Garden borders, pots, veggie beds, companion planting
- Seed depth: 3ā5mm
- Plant spacing: 20ā30cm
- Row spacing: 30cm
- Days to germination: 5ā10 days
- Days to flowering: 50ā70 days
š When to Plant Marigolds ā By Growing Zone
| Zone | Description | Sow Indoors | Transplant / Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Cool (e.g. Tasmania, Southern Vic) | AugāOct | OctāJan |
| Zone 2 | Temperate (e.g. Sydney, Adelaide, Perth) | AugāSep | SepāMar |
| Zone 3 | Subtropical (e.g. Brisbane, Northern NSW) | Year-round (best: AugāApr) | SepāMay |
| Zone 4 | Tropical (e.g. Darwin, North QLD) | FebāApr & JulāSep | MarāOct |
š± Marigolds love warmth and sunāavoid planting during cold or frost-prone months in southern zones.
š± How to Grow Marigolds from Seed
-
Start Indoors or Direct Sow
Sow seeds in trays or directly into garden soil once frosts have passed. Cover lightly with 3ā5mm of soil and keep moist. -
Transplanting Tips
If started in trays, transplant seedlings when they have 2ā3 true leaves. Choose a sunny, well-drained position and water well after planting.
āļø Ideal Growing Conditions
- Light: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
- Soil: Loamy, well-drained; tolerates poor soil
- pH: 6.0ā7.0
- Watering: Water at base; avoid overhead watering
- Feeding: Optionalāuse a mild liquid fertiliser monthly
āļø Marigold Plant Care
- Deadheading: Remove old flowers to promote new blooms
- Pinching: Pinch young plants to encourage bushiness
- In Pots: Thrive in containers with good drainage
š Pests & Benefits
| Issue | Signs | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters on new growth | Spray with soapy water or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Webbing, yellowing leaves | Increase humidity, hose down foliage |
| Fungal issues | Spots or mildew on leaves | Improve airflow, avoid wet foliage |
š¼ Marigolds naturally deter aphids, whiteflies, and nematodesāideal companions for your veggies.
āļø Harvesting Flowers
- Cut blooms as soon as they open for fresh arrangements
- Harvest regularly to keep plants flowering
- Dry flowers for crafts or to collect seeds
šø How to Use Marigolds
- Beautiful in borders, pots, and veggie beds
- Some varieties are edibleāsprinkle petals on salads
- Plant with tomatoes, brassicas, or beans to deter pests
šæ Great Companion Plants
| Helps or Benefits | Best Avoided |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes, basil, beans, broccoli, lettuce | None ā marigolds are widely compatible |
š¦ Shop Marigold Seeds
Choose from compact French marigolds, tall African types, or edible mini blooms.
š Browse Our Marigold Seed Collection
š„ Download Our Marigold Growing Cheat Sheet
Get a printable version for your potting shed.
[Download PDF]
š§” Share Your Blooms!
Tag @seedsofplenty or use #seedsofplenty on Instagram to show off your flower patch!