French Marigold Facts: Learn How To Plant French Marigolds

By: Donna Evans Marigolds have been a garden staple for decades. If you need a shorter variety, French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are not as upright as the African types (Tagetes erecta) and are very aromatic. They will brighten up any garden with their bright yellow, orange, and red shades. Read on to learn more about the planting and care of French marigolds.
How to Plant French Marigolds
French marigolds can be easily grown from seed or purchased as bedding plants. As with most bedding plants, there are a few factors to take into consideration when you are thinking of how to plant French marigolds. These plants require full sun and well-drained soil. They also thrive in pots, and a pot of marigolds here and there will add a splash of color to your landscape. These marigolds should be planted deeper than their bedding container. They should also be planted about 6 to 9 inches (15-23 cm.) apart. After planting, water thoroughly.
Planting French Marigold Seeds
This is a great plant to start from seed. Planting French marigold seeds can be done by starting them in the house before four to six weeks before winter has passed or by direct seeding once all danger of frost has passed. If you are planting French marigold seeds indoors, they need a warm area. Seeds need a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees F. (21-23 C.) to germinate. Once the seeds are planted, it takes 7 to 14 days for the plant to pop up.
French Marigold Facts and Care
Looking for facts about French marigolds? These plants are small, bushy annuals with flowers up to 2 inches (5 cm.) across. They come in a myriad of colors, from yellow to orange to mahogany red. Heights range from 6 to 18 inches (15-46 cm.). These delightful flowers will bloom from early spring to frost. While growing French marigolds is easy enough, the care of French marigolds is even simpler. Once established, these flowers need little care other than watering when it's quite warm or dry-- though container grown plants require more watering. Deadheading the spent blooms will also keep the plants tidier and encourage more flowering. French marigolds have very few pest or disease problems. In addition, these plants are deer resistant, will not take over your garden and make wonderful cut flowers.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes".
-
Types Of Orange Tomatoes To Grow In Your Garden – Add Color And Sweetness To Any Dish!
Orange tomatoes are a great way to add variety to your vegetable garden and your cooking this summer. Our guide helps you pick the best types for your needs.
-
What Do Blue Jays Eat? How To Attract Them To Your Yard & How To Keep Them Happy
Blue jays are bold North American birds who are intelligent and mate for life. Learn how to attract these beauties to your yard for bird-watching pleasure!
-
5 Marsh Marigold Lookalikes – And Which Cause The Most Harm
Marsh marigolds have several lookalikes, and some of these lovely fast-growing plants can be harmful and invasive. It’s good to know the difference.
-
Marigold Flower Uses: Marigold Benefits For Gardens And Beyond
Marigolds are appreciated primarily for their beauty, and you may not have considered the many surprising marigold benefits for gardens. Click on the following article to learn about ways to use marigold plants in the garden.
-
Marigold Vs. Calendula – Difference Between Marigolds And Calendulas
It’s a common question: Are marigold and calendula the same? The simple answer is no. Although both are members of the sunflower family, marigolds and calendula are plants with different genera. Why all the confusion? Find out in this article and how to tell them apart.
-
Cape Marigold Propagation – How To Propagate African Daisy Flowers
Also known as African daisy, cape marigold (Dimorphotheca) is an African native that produces masses of beautiful, daisy-like blooms. Cape marigold propagation is easy if you can provide plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Learn how to propagate it here.
-
Planting Cape Marigold Seeds: How To Sow Cape Marigold Seeds
Where you live and what your climate is like will determine whether you grow cape marigold as a summer or winter annual. Planting cape marigold seeds is an inexpensive way to get started with this pretty flower. This article will help with that.
-
Cape Marigold Varieties: Learn About Different Types Of African Daisies
Cape marigolds are always a go-to plant for container designs. Of course, the key to a perfect container design is selecting the perfect varieties of these annual plants. Take a closer look at some of the many available cape marigold varieties in this article.
-
Can You Grow Cape Marigold Cuttings: How To Root Cape Marigold Cuttings
It is easy to get carried away and spend a fortune on small starter cape marigold plants each spring. However, hands-on, budget-minded gardeners may prefer to only buy a few and propagate more cape marigolds from cuttings. This article will help with that.
-
Feeding Cape Marigolds: How To Fertilize Cape Marigolds
Beginner gardeners are able to have great success when planting flowers that are robust and tolerant to adverse conditions. The cape marigold, rewards growers with bright and cheerful flowers, and both watering and feeding cape marigolds couldn’t be easier. Learn more here.