This diminutive plant is a workhorse with multiple uses and grows equally well in containers and in the garden.
Foliage can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
These are low-maintenance annuals easily grown from seed and readily available at garden centers and nurseries.
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Use this guide to learn about French marigolds and ways to add them to your garden.
Water well until plants are established and then allow soil to dry between waterings.
Loosen heavy clay soils by working aged compost or sand into the bed before transplanting.
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In poor soil add a balanced fertilizer at planting time such as anNPK 10-10-10.
Seeds can be directly sown or started indoors six to eight weeks before the final frost in your area.
Sow seeds 1 inch apart and 1/4 inch deep covering them completely with soil.
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Thin seedlings to 10 to 12 inches apart once foliage appears.
Tip
French marigolds repel nematodes and attract beneficial insects working as efficientcompanion plantsfor tomatoes and other vegetables.
Choose a location that receives full sun, at least six hours daily.
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In areas with hot summers, they tolerate some afternoon shade.
Dwarf varieties can be planted in 6-inch pots.
Plant regular varieties in 12-inch pots and tall hybrids in areas sheltered from strong winds.
In warmer climates, some varieties are successfully planted for autumn color with flowers opening as temperatures drop.
Set out autumn blooming types from late August through early September.
Light
French marigolds thrive in full sun, at least six hours daily.
They will grow in some shade as long as they receive a minimum two hours of direct exposure.
Too much shade leads to fewer flowers and a shorter bloom period.
The single most important requirement is that the soil drains well.
Water at soil level to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Add mulch to retain moisture and deter weeds.
Potted plants require a regular watering schedule.
Temperature and Humidity
Best flowering occurs at temperatures between 68F and 75F.
French marigolds are not frost-hardy but will continue to grow at temperatures as low as 40F with reduced flowering.
They adapt to a wide range of humidity levels.
Pruning
Begin by pinching off early buds to encourage branching.
Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant during any single pruning.
Deadhead spent flowers to keep plants in bloom.
It’s a gardening projectwell-suited for children.
Large seeds are easy to handle and can be directly sown in the garden or started indoors in flats.
Seeds laid flat and covered with soil or planted with the feathery end down also germinate reliably.
Potting and Repotting French Marigold
French marigold varieties typically stay between 6 and 12 inches tall.
A 6-inch pot will accommodate two or three 6- to 8-inch tall plants.
For taller plants, choose a 12-inch container for groupings and space plants evenly.
Here are a few issues that may arise.
Spider mitesandthripsdamage foliage and weaken plants.
If caught early, they can sometimes be knocked down with a strong spray from your garden hose.
Useneem or horticultural oilif you encounter an infestation.
Dense foliage is prone to fungal and leaf spot diseases includingpowdery mildew,botrytis, and leaf spots.
Adhere to recommended spacing to allow plenty of air circulation and water at ground level to avoid wet foliage.
In frost-free climates plants eventually decline with age.
How Long Does French Marigold Bloom?
Each flower stays vibrant for three to four weeks before petals fade and dry out.
Consistent deadheading allows new blooms to form.
What Do French Marigold Flowers Look and Smell Like?
French marigold flowers add a splash of deep, rich maroon-red, orange, and yellow.
They come in doubles, semi-doubles, and crested ray flowers with a decorative ruffled appearance.
How to Encourage More Blooms
Keep these annuals flowering with consistent deadheading.
Pinch out early buds to encourage more branching which translates to more flowers.
If soil is extremely poor or clay-like consider adding a balanced NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer at planting time.
Fungicides are most effective as a preventive applied in early spring as soon as leaves develop.
Water early to allow foliage to dry before nightfall and remove damaged leaves.
Take steps early to correct these problems.
Damaged roots quickly become irreparable and plants have to be discarded.
The problem is often traced to mineral deficits in the soil.
Have soil tested before planting to check for a neutral pH level and determine if amendments are needed.
Chemical controls are not available for vascular wilts like fusarium or verticillium so prevention is key.
Avoid planting in infected soil and choose resistant varieties.
French marigolds are grown as annuals and complete their life cycle in one year.
They may reseed but plants are either killed by frost or die back with age.
French marigolds(T. patula)and African marigold (T. erecta)are two different species.
French marigolds are compact with 1- to 3-inch flowers.
African marigolds are taller, growing 24 to 36 inches tall with larger 4-inch flowers.
Colors are similar however African marigolds also produce a white bloom.
Flowers attract beneficial insects that help control pests like hornworms, aphids, and white fly.
North Carolina State University Extension
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
For Nematode Management.University of Florida, IFAS Extension.
