How To Plant And Grow Marigold Flowers - The Old Farmer's Almanac

Marigolds have few pests or problems overall, but spider mites and aphids sometimes infest the plants. Usually, a spray of water or the application of insecticidal soap, repeated every other day for a week or two, will solve the problem. Occasionally, marigolds will be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew if conditions are too wet. To prevent fungal issues, avoid getting water on the marigolds’ leaves, keep weeds down, and plant in well-draining soil.

Marigolds as Companion Plants

Farmers and gardeners have long known that marigolds make important companion plants everywhere.

• The underground workings of the French variety, in particular, are known to repel harmful nematodes (microscopic worms) that attack the roots of garden vegetables—especially root-knot and lesion nematodes. Crops most impacted include tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, snap beans, squash, onions, and garlic.
• To take advantage of this effect, don’t plant marigolds directly alongside vegetables. Instead, plant a mass of marigolds in the spring in the area where you intend to grow a fall crop. In mid-to late summer, remove the marigolds and plant vegetables and greens for a fall harvest.

FAQ

What type of gardens are best for marigolds?

Marigolds are equally at home in flower gardens and vegetable gardens. These fun companion flowers are also popular for window boxes. Basically, if you have a sunny spot with well-draining soil, it’s a great place to plant some marigolds!

Are marigold flowers edible?

You may see “marigolds” listed as edible flowers. The flowers of Tagetes marigolds are NOT edible, but those of Calendula are. The bright petals of Calendula add color and a spicy tang to salads and other summer dishes. Flowers from Tagetes marigolds may be irritating to the skin, so we do not recommend ingesting them.

How do you harvest marigold seeds?

It’s easy to save your marigold seeds so that you can replant these cheery annuals from year to year. To harvest marigold seeds, wait until the flower heads are fully dry—petals should be brittle and seed pods brown and drooping. Gently remove the petals, leaving the seeds (achenes) attached. Pull the seeds from the base, discard the base, and spread the seeds on a paper towel to dry for a few days. Once dry, store them in a labeled envelope or container in a cool, dry place. Learn more about saving flower seeds.

What do marigold flowers symbolize?

According to the language of flowers, marigold flowers symbolize grief and jealousy.