How to Grow Marigolds
Tagetes
(Tagetes: French/African marigolds) Warm-loving half-hardy annuals for full sun and free-draining soil or compost. Sow indoors in spring or direct after frost. Plant out to sunny beds, pots, or edging; avoid overfeeding, which encourages foliage over flowers. Deadhead to keep blooms coming. Good in mixed plantings and containers; taller African types may need light staking in wind. Water during dry spells but don’t overwater. Protect from late frosts.
When to Start
Sow indoors 4 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 10°C.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Light liquid feed fortnightly. Don't overfeed — reduces flowering.
- Excellent companion plant — French marigolds deter whitefly near tomatoes. Pot marigolds (Calendula) are different.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 10°C+
- Germination temperature
- 18–24°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
Want your full season plan with reminders? Try Leaftide free
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 25 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.5 cm |
| Mature height | 30 cm |
| Mature spread | 25 cm |
For French Marigolds (Tagetes patula). Larger African Marigolds (T. erecta) may need 30-40 cm spacing.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Seedlings eaten to ground level overnight, irregular holes in leaves and petals, slime trails
- Beer traps near planting areas
- Nematode biological control (Nemaslug)
- Copper tape around containers
- Evening hand-picking
- Ferric phosphate pellets (wildlife-safe)
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green or black insects on growing tips and flower buds, sticky honeydew, distorted growth
- Blast off with a jet of water
- Encourage ladybirds and hoverflies
- Soft soap spray
- Pyrethrum-based contact insecticide
Disease Grey Mould (Botrytis) Botrytis cinerea
Symptoms: Fluffy grey mould on petals and stems, often starting on dead or fading flowers, spreading to healthy tissue
Treatment: Remove affected flowers and foliage promptly. Improve air circulation.
Prevention: Deadhead regularly. Space plants well. Avoid overhead watering. Remove dead material promptly.
Disease Powdery Mildew Erysiphe spp.
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves, leaves yellow and become distorted, reduced flowering
Treatment: Remove badly affected foliage. Improve air circulation.
Prevention: Space plants well for airflow. Water at the base. Grow in full sun. Avoid overcrowding.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 10°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–24°C |
| Base growth temperature | 8°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10.5h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Marigolds?
- Plant Marigolds 25cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- When does Marigolds flower?
- Marigolds typically flowers approximately 50 days after transplanting.
- Is Marigolds frost hardy?
- Marigolds is classified as Half Hardy.
