CyberSalad: Garden Pursuits: Annuals: Marigold

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Marigolds are among the most popular flowers in American gardens, in all zones, because they reward gardeners with immense quantities of bright color and they are exceedingly easy to grow. Marigold colors range from near-white and cream through vivid yellow and orange to brownish red and maroon. Most marigolds have a pungent fragrance, but several varieties have foliage and flowers with no scent. All garden marigolds are descended from wild Mexican species that have been developed and hybridized to produce four separate types. The tallest one is the African or Aztec marigold. These plants generally grow 18 inches to 3 feet tall and bear globe-shaped 3 1/2- to 5-inch double blossoms, mostly in off-white, yellow, or shades of orange. There are many flower types among African or Aztec marigolds, some resembling chrysanthemums, others carnations. French marigolds are relatively low-growing; most stand 6 to 18 inches tall and have 1- to 2-inch single or double flowers in many shades of yellow, orange, mahogany red or combinations of these colors. African-French hybrids combine the colors of both species with 2- to 3-inch double flowers; they are sturdy plants whose height and spread varies from 12 to 18 inches. Dwarf marigolds are generally about 12 inches tall and have fernlike foliage much finer than that of the other three types. Stems are topped by masses of single yellow or golden-orange flowera about an inch across.
Marigolds serve every garden purpose--they show off their colors in beds, borders, and terrace pots, mixed with other flowers or massed alone. Even the taller types stand up well to wind and heavy rain, and all have vivid beauty and long life as cut flowers. Scientists have also observed that parasitic worms called nematodes disappear from soil in which marigolds have grown. Marigolds flourish in ordinary garden soil in sunny locations. Marigold seed is very easy to start; sow indoors from four to six weeks before the last frost is due. Set the plants in the garden after the last frost is due. Or, at this time, sow seeds outdoors or buy started plants and set them out. Space taller varieties 12 to 18 inches apart, dwarf varieties about 6 inches apart. In Zones 9-10, marigolds can be sown outdoors at any time.

'Happy Days', French marigold in colors of yellow, gold, rust and bronze.

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Site launched January 1, 2000.
Site updated September 1, 2007.