How to Plant Marigolds in Your Flower Garden

Marigolds are flowering plants of several different genera in the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies, sunflowers, and coneflowers.

1. 1. Calendula: This genus includes the popular pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), which produces edible flower petals great for sprinkling on salads, and the smaller field marigold (Calendula arvensis). Calendula is native to southern Europe but now found across North America. Calendula's bright orange petals have long been used to make dye.
2. 2. Tagetes: Some consider the 50 species within this genus to be the only "true" marigolds. The best-known members of this genus are the French marigold (T. patula) and the African marigold (T. erecta, aka Aztec or Mexican marigold), both of which are actually native to Mexico. African marigolds have many layers of ruffly petals (like carnations), while French marigolds tend to be less fluffy. The signet marigold (T. tenuifolia) has small flowers with a single row of petals. Flower petals of plants within this genus are yellow to orange, sometimes with a touch of maroon.
3. 3. Bidens: The only aquatic marigold in the Asteraceae family is the water marigold (Bidens beckii), a perennial plant native to North America. (So-called marsh marigolds are actually part of the buttercup family.)
4. 4. Dimorphotheca: This genus includes the cape marigolds, colorful annual plants that look like daisies.

Marigolds are easy to plant, and they flourish in hot climates.

1. 1. Know your variety. Since the word "marigold" refers to plants from different genera, it's important to know exactly what you're dealing with. Members of the Calendula and Tagetes genera are the most popular marigold plants for combating pests like aphids and serving as companion plants in a vegetable bed.
2. 2. Choose a sunny spot. Tagetes patula, T. erecta, and Calendula officinalis thrive in USDA hardiness zones two through 11. When planting marigolds, look for a spot with full sun. If you don’t have a full-sun location, plants from both genera will tolerate partial or afternoon shade.
3. 3. Direct seed. Sow seeds of both types of marigolds outdoors after the last frost. Broadcast seeds over an empty bed and cover with a thin layer of potting mix.
4. 4. Protect seedlings. Marigold seedlings are delicate, like most other seedlings. Keep your soil moist until seedlings are sturdy. Once established, these plants are relatively drought-tolerant.

Marigolds are low-maintenance flowers that bring color to your garden and benefit the plants around them.

1. 1. Companion planting: Marigolds are one of the most popular companion plants for vegetable gardens. Not only are they low-maintenance pollinator attractors, but their strong scent can also deter insects.
   
2. 2. Deadheading: Deadheading, or pinching off wilted flower heads, will encourage continued blooming and prevent unwanted self-seeding.
3. 3. Seed-saving: If you want to save the marigold seeds, allow your flower heads to dry on the plant at the end of the season. Gently crumble the dried seed heads into an envelope and sow your flower seeds next year.
4. 4. Powdery mildew prevention: Prevent powdery mildew by giving plants space (propagate by division if necessary). Water sparingly at the base of the plant, and consider watering in the morning so that water can evaporate off the leaves. Overwatering can also cause root rot.

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