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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!
✅ 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
📍 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
-
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. -
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.
☀️ 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
✂️ 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
🐛 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.
✂️ 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 |
📦 Shop Marigold Seeds
Choose from compact French marigolds, tall African types, or edible mini blooms.
👉 Browse Our Marigold Seed Collection
📥 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!