Marigold
warm-season crop
At a glance
| Suitable zone groups | All four zone groups (3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10), as a warm-season annual |
|---|---|
| Planting window | See the guide text below, in general terms relative to your last spring frost |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-draining soil, tolerates average soil |
| Watering | Moderate watering |
About this plant
Marigold brings bright flowers to beds and containers. It suits all four zone groups (3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10) as a warm-season annual and grows best in full sun.
Choose well-draining soil; average soil is suitable. Provide moderate watering and remove faded flowers to keep the planting tidy and encourage continued blooming.
Common beginner failures and fixes
- Sparse flowers in shade: Move containers or place future plants in full sun.
- Soggy roots: Improve soil drainage and empty standing water from container saucers.
- Soft growth after heavy feeding: Avoid unnecessary fertilizer in average garden soil.
- Faded blooms left on plants: Snip off spent flowers above healthy foliage.
Beginner checklist
- Plan for a warm-season annual planting in your zone group.
- Choose full sun.
- Use well-draining soil, including average garden soil.
- Provide moderate watering.
- Remove faded flowers regularly.
Zone groups and planting windows here are general guidance. Confirm your own zone and last frost date locally before planting.