Wintertime Marigold Plant Care: A Guide?

Marigolds are heat-loving plants that thrive in zones 2 to 11, and they require at least six hours of sunlight daily to maintain their vibrant color. To ensure proper care, place the marigolds in an outside area with at least six hours of sunlight daily. In colder climates, prepare marigolds for winter by cutting them back after flowering and mulching heavily. Deadheading spent blossoms can encourage new blooms, and remove trimmings from the bed to prevent pests over winter.

Marigold plants require six hours or more of sunlight, watering twice per week, and pruning at the end of the gardening season. They can be started from seed, planted as a mature variety, and cared for and maintained in various zones. To start a marigold from seed, plant a mature variety in your garden, and learn about the three most important zones they grow in.

When planting marigold seeds or plants, ensure they get regular water, don’t leave them in dry soil for more than a couple of weeks, and mix slow-acting granular fertilizer at planting time or plan to water with diluted liquid fertilizer periodically. Space marigolds in a well-drained, sunny spot, and ensure they receive proper sunlight.

Collect pinched off flower heads and dry them indoors for a week to ensure they are fully dry. Water marigolds at the base of the plant and avoid a profusion of foliage and fewer flowers.

Can marigolds be kept over winter?

Pot marigolds are excellent flowers that thrive in mild winter climates like Florida or Southern California, preferring full sun or light shade and tolerant of various soil types with good drainage. Some flower varieties prefer cooler temperatures and can even survive harsh frosts. There are five flowers that bloom in winter, depending on your hardiness zone. Zones 8 or 9 (parts of California, Texas, and Florida) will thrive with most of these varieties, while zones 3 (including Maine and Montana) have a couple solid options. To find your hardiness zone, use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Can you keep marigolds alive all year?

Marigolds are a popular garden plant due to their resistance to cold weather and lack of foliage. Once the season is over, they should be removed, including the roots, and placed on a compost pile. Marigolds grow from a single stem and can be easily transplanted once a strong root system is established. They are pest-free and often used as a natural repellent for other garden plants. However, they may be susceptible to gray mold, leaf spot, and powdery mildew in wet conditions.

What is the lifespan of a marigold plant?

The marigold (Tagetes) is a genus of approximately 30 species native to southwestern North America, Central America, and South America. It is an annual plant. Notable varieties include French marigolds and African marigolds. They typically reach a height of between one and five feet and produce flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow. They flourish in sunny environments and bloom from summer until the onset of frost.

How do you keep marigolds from dying?

Marigolds, a cheerful annual flower, attract pollinating insects and bloom for months. They are a great companion to tomatoes, especially greenhouse-grown ones, as their scent helps deter whiteflies. To prevent fungal issues, avoid watering the leaves, keep weeds down, and plant in well-drained soil. Marigolds are also spendthrifts, bringing gold, copper, and brass to gardens. They also make good edging plants, deterring rabbits, and can be included in garden plans when planting.

How long do marigolds live?

Calendula and Tagetes are annual plants that live for one year, but if sown early and deadheaded, they can flower for months, sometimes from May to November. Calendulas can self-sow, providing more flowers the following year. Marigolds’ flame-bright flowers provide a steady supply of fresh cut flowers and attract beneficial insects that protect edible crops from predators. They are easy to grow from seed and come in bold shades of orange or gold. A guide on planting marigolds outdoors provides guidance on when to plant them.

Is marigold an indoor or outdoor plant?

Marigold seeds can be planted indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds on a tray or small pot filled with lightly dampened potting soil, cover with vermiculite, and cover with plastic. Marigold seeds do not need sunlight at this stage, and can sprout within four to five days. Move the container to a location with four to five hours of light each day, keeping the potting mix moist but not sopping to prevent damping-off fungus.

When seedlings show new leaves, transplant them outdoors. For mature plants, prepare a bed in a sunny, clean site at least two weeks before planting. Run water through the plants the night before planting to hydrate their foliage, stems, and root system.

Do marigolds like sun or shade?

Marigolds, including Signet marigolds, require full sun for growth, so choose a location with full sun. Direct seeding can be done once soil temperatures reach 65 degrees, and larger transplants can be planted when frost is gone. French and Signet marigolds can be spaced close together for a hedge, while African varieties should be spaced at least a foot apart due to their size. Marigolds can tolerate drought better than overly wet soil, so ensure well-draining soil with compost or sand. The ideal soil pH is 6-7.

How do you save marigolds for next year?

The calyx should be removed and the seeds, which should be slightly green in color, extracted and dried.

Do marigolds come back next season?

Marigolds exhibit both annual and perennial characteristics. The majority of marigolds are annuals, while a few are perennials due to their self-seeding behavior, which gives the appearance of perennial growth.

How do you keep marigolds happy?

Marigolds are a beautiful annual that can be grown indoors or outdoors, requiring little to no care. They are easy to grow, with vibrant gold and copper flowers that attract pollinators and color-loving gardeners. The most popular varieties are the four commonly found in gardens. To maintain their health, allow the soil to dry between waterings, water them thoroughly, and avoid fertilizing soil after sowing seeds. Marigolds can be grown indoors from seeds or planted outdoors, and require little to no care. TruGreen is a top lawn care service for those who need extra help keeping their lawn trimmed and green.