Marigold: The Easiest Flower (and Pest Deterrent)
Marigolds are fast-growing annuals that bloom from summer to frost. They’re the easiest flower for beginners and repel some garden pests.
Marigolds are the classic companion plant. They’re also one of the most reliable bloomers.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to sprout | 5-7 |
| Days to harvest | 50-60 |
| Sun | 6 hours |
| Spacing | 8-10 inches |
| Height | 6-36 inches (depends on variety) |
| Colors | Orange, yellow, red, maroon |
Why Grow It
- Fast. 50-60 days.
- Long bloom. Summer to frost.
- Pest deterrent. Repels nematodes, aphids.
- Edible flowers. Some varieties (signet) are edible.
How It Fails
Failure 1: Powdery mildew. Late season. Airflow helps. Failure 2: Spider mites. Dry conditions. Hose regularly. Failure 3: Few flowers. Too much nitrogen.
Comparison
| Variety | Height | Flower Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | 12-18 in | 2 in | Most common |
| African | 2-3 ft | 3-4 in | Large blooms |
| Signet | 6-12 in | 1 in | Edible |
| Triploid | 12-18 in | 2-3 in | Sterile, no deadheading |
Common Questions
Are marigolds edible? Signet varieties are. Others taste bad.
Do they really repel pests? Some. Nematodes and aphids especially.
Do they come back every year? No. Annual. But they self-seed.
How do I deadhead? Pinch off spent flowers. More blooms.
Can I grow them in containers? Yes. French varieties work best.
Why are my marigolds turning brown? Spider mites or powdery mildew.