Marigold
Tagetes patula • Asteraceae
🌱 Seed Category
Flower
🌍 Origin Region
Mexico and Central America
📅 Days to Maturity
50-70 days to first bloom. Can be succession planted for late summer color.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-11 (Annual). Not frost tolerant but thrives in high heat.
About This Seed
Slender, needle-like seeds featuring a bi-colored appearance (typically dark brown/black on one end and straw-colored on the other). The resulting plant is a bushy annual with fern-like, aromatic foliage and vibrant double or single blooms in shades of orange, yellow, and mahogany.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Spring to Summer; direct sow after last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks early. Needs warm soil.
Germination
Germinates in 5-10 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Does not require light for germination but needs 1/4 inch of soil coverage. High germination rate usually above 80%.
Planting Instructions
Plant 1/4 inch deep, spaced 8-12 inches apart. Prefers well-draining garden soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Thin the hardy seedlings once they reach 2 inches in height.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (at least 6 hours daily). Moderate water needs; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Highly drought tolerant once established.
Companion Plants
Excellent companion for Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, and Potatoes. Should not be planted near Legumes (Beans/Peas) as it may slightly inhibit their growth.
Special Characteristics
Contains thiophenes in roots that repel nematodes. Edible petals. Strong pollinator magnet for bees and butterflies. Highly pest resistant and helps ward off aphids and whiteflies.