Marigolds are usually grown in the garden, but they also make attractive houseplants. They are relatively easy to grow indoors, as long as you follow a few guidelines. Marigold plants prefer bright light and temperatures between 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 degrees at night. They have shallow root systems which makes marigolds easy to transplant. Even if you accidentally over-water them, they will recover quickly.
Marigolds are great plants to use in hanging baskets because the flowers continue to grow downwards as the plants mature. Marigold plants also produce large quantities of nectar, making them attractive to bees and butterflies, which means that having marigolds in your garden will help attract beneficial insects to control pests.
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Marigolds Temperature and Season for growing
Marigolds are also easy to start from seed. The seeds should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, so they can be transplanted outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. You can also plant marigolds directly into your flower beds or other gardens, when the soil temperature has reached 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplanting marigolds can also be done when the nighttime temperatures are between 55 and 60 degrees, usually during June or July.
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Growing marigolds in pots
Growing marigolds in pots is an easy way to keep them outside for most of the summer if you live where it gets very cold in winter, or if you want to bring them indoors when you are not able to garden.
- Fill a 10 inch pot with equal parts of peat moss, vermiculite, and compost or potting soil.
- Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep in the planting mix, either 6-8 seeds per pot or one seed in each pot.
- Cover the pots and place them in an area that receives bright light, but not direct sun for 14 to 16 hours a day. If you don’t have a place near a window, use grow lights.
- Keep the soil moist but do not over-water because this can cause mold or fungus problems.
- In 2-3 weeks, the plants should be about 1 inch high and ready to transplant outdoors where they can receive full sun. Alternately, you can pot up individual plants if you only want a few marigolds in a garden or a planter on your front porch.
- Choose a sunny location for your marigolds, and plant the new plants 6-8 inches apart. If planting in an area that is already planted with flowers or vegetables, wait until those plants are well established to avoid problems with competition for nutrients and water.
- Marigolds do not like wet feet, so make sure you plant them in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Pinch off the flowers when they become unsightly to encourage marigolds to produce more blooms.
- If you want, you can also feed your marigolds a low-nitrogen fertilizer every 2-3 months from spring until fall for best results.
- Harvest your marigold flowers when they are fully open to use in dried arrangements, or to save for later.
- Marigolds can be kept fresh until you need them by placing them in a bucket of water.
- Protect your marigolds from pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites with this natural pest control spray.
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Potted Marigold Plants
Marigold plants come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors that make them attractive for use as potted plants. When growing marigolds in pots, be sure to choose sturdy pots with drainage holes and place them where they will receive bright sunlight. If you keep your potted marigolds outside during the summer, treat them to a half dozen hours of sunlight every day.
Marigolds are easy to grow from seed indoors or outside, though they will require at least six months of warm weather before blooming. While many people propagate marigold plants via cuttings, it is also possible to start them by seed. Marigolds can be grown in the same type of soil in which they will be planted outdoors, though they can also thrive when grown in large pots that are filled with good-quality potting soil.
Marigolds can be very sensitive to cold weather, so it is important to wait until nighttime temperatures remain above 55 degrees before transplanting them outdoors. When planting marigolds in pots, you will need to choose a sturdy pot that is at least 10 inches deep. Fill the bottom of the pot with stones or gravel to facilitate drainage.
Potted marigold plants will require feeding four times per year, using either fish emulsion or liquid fertilizer available at garden centers. When growing marigolds in pots indoors, feed them just once every four weeks.
Caring for Marigolds growing in Pots
Potted marigolds will need to be watered at least once a day. You can avoid over-watering by allowing the top half inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Let cold tap water sit for 30 minutes before watering potted marigolds, as cold water tends to shock them and cause damage to their roots.
Marigolds are very hardy, and will need to be fertilized four times per year. When growing marigolds in pots indoors or on a patio, use food that is formulated for houseplants. Outdoor potted marigolds should be fed with organic fertilizer during the spring, summer and fall months. Feed outdoor plants once per month during the winter, as they will not be actively growing.
Marigolds are prone to infestations by aphids, whiteflies and spider mites. To control these pests, mix together 2 tablespoons of dishwashing soap with one gallon of water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on plants every seven days indoors or outdoors.
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