General
Marigolds are the work-horses of the garden. They are easy to grow, with an abundance of flowers and attractive foilage. Plant marigolds in containers. Use the big ones for cut flowers. All types of marigolds attract beneficial hoverflies with their abundant blooms.
Latin
Tagetes spp.
Asteraceae family.
Season & Zone
Season: Warm season.
Exposure: Full-sun.
Zone: Hardy from zone 1-10.
Plant Type
Annual (A)
Planting
Indoors: Start 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Put out in the garden after danger of frost. Outdoors: You can start these after the last frost. Just cover the seeds with a bit of soil. Seeds will sprout in 4-14 days.
Diseases & Pests
Slugs.
Edible
Signet Marigold Golden Gem (T. signata) has tasty petals. Use blossoms in salads, desserts, and scatter in fancy drinks.
Growing Tips
Pinch the growing tips to encourage branching. This avoids tall, spindly plants. Dead head regularly.