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How to Grow French Marigolds Like a Champ

These sturdy flowers simply refuse to die.

by The Editors
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French marigolds — derived from Tagetes patula — include most of the dwarf cultivars, while the generally taller African cultivars come from T. erecta. Hybridizing has also produced many cultivars with intermediate characteristics.

As a group, marigolds grow 8 to 42 inches tall as low mounds or erect bushes. The 1-to 4-inch flowers may appear rounded, tufted, or shaggy in shades of white, yellow, orange, mahogany, maroon, and rust. The dark green leaves are dense, ferny, and often strongly scented.

Other worthy marigolds include the signet group from T. tenuifolia, which has 8-inch mounds of lacy, lemon-scented leaves and ½-inch red, orange, or yellow single flowers. T. filifolia, Irish lace marigold, is grown for its dense 1-foot mounds of delicate foliage.

How to Grow Marigolds

marigold
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Marigolds are so easy to grow that they’re often a child’s first garden success. Given warmth, they grow quickly.

Sow seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost (especially recommended for the taller cultivars) or direct-seed when the soil is warm. Give them full sun in average soil and moisture for best results, but don’t worry if the dirt is poor or dry. Excess fertility may promote lush growth, few flowers, and soft stems, especially in the tall cultivars, which then need staking.

Wash pesky spider mites off with regular, strong hosings or control with soap spray. Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

Using Marigolds in Your Landscape

marigolds
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Marigolds form the backbone of many plantings because of their diversity and adaptability. Use them freely in beds, borders, edges, pots, and boxes. Disguise dying bulb foliage with marigolds, or use them as a companion planting in vegetable gardens. They also make long-lasting cut flowers, excellent for informal arrangements.

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