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🌼 Marigold Growing Guide

Bright, cheerful, and easy to grow—marigolds are garden favourites that do more than just look pretty. Learn how to grow them from seed with ease!


āœ… Quick Facts

  • Botanical name: Tagetes spp.
  • Type: Annual flowering plant
  • Difficulty: Very easy
  • Best for: Garden borders, pots, veggie beds, companion planting
  • Seed depth: 3–5mm
  • Plant spacing: 20–30cm
  • Row spacing: 30cm
  • Days to germination: 5–10 days
  • Days to flowering: 50–70 days

šŸ“ When to Plant Marigolds – By Growing Zone

Zone Description Sow Indoors Transplant / Direct Sow
Zone 1 Cool (e.g. Tasmania, Southern Vic) Aug–Oct Oct–Jan
Zone 2 Temperate (e.g. Sydney, Adelaide, Perth) Aug–Sep Sep–Mar
Zone 3 Subtropical (e.g. Brisbane, Northern NSW) Year-round (best: Aug–Apr) Sep–May
Zone 4 Tropical (e.g. Darwin, North QLD) Feb–Apr & Jul–Sep Mar–Oct

🌱 Marigolds love warmth and sun—avoid planting during cold or frost-prone months in southern zones.


🌱 How to Grow Marigolds from Seed

  1. Start Indoors or Direct Sow
    Sow seeds in trays or directly into garden soil once frosts have passed. Cover lightly with 3–5mm of soil and keep moist.
  2. Transplanting Tips
    If started in trays, transplant seedlings when they have 2–3 true leaves. Choose a sunny, well-drained position and water well after planting.

ā˜€ļø Ideal Growing Conditions

  • Light: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
  • Soil: Loamy, well-drained; tolerates poor soil
  • pH: 6.0–7.0
  • Watering: Water at base; avoid overhead watering
  • Feeding: Optional—use a mild liquid fertiliser monthly

āœ‚ļø 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

šŸ› 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

🌼 Marigolds naturally deter aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes—ideal companions for your veggies.


āœ‚ļø 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

🌸 How to Use Marigolds

  • Beautiful in borders, pots, and veggie beds
  • Some varieties are edible—sprinkle petals on salads
  • Plant with tomatoes, brassicas, or beans to deter pests

🌿 Great Companion Plants

Helps or Benefits Best Avoided
Tomatoes, basil, beans, broccoli, lettuce None – marigolds are widely compatible

šŸ“¦ Shop Marigold Seeds

Choose from compact French marigolds, tall African types, or edible mini blooms.
šŸ‘‰ Browse Our Marigold Seed Collection


šŸ“„ Download Our Marigold Growing Cheat Sheet

Get a printable version for your potting shed.
[Download PDF]


🧔 Share Your Blooms!

Tag @seedsofplenty or use #seedsofplenty on Instagram to show off your flower patch!