Marigolds

Bold autumn golds from the easiest seeds you will ever plant

Marigolds are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed and produce a steady supply of warm-toned blooms from midsummer through hard frost. For cutting, skip the small French types and grow tall African marigolds (Tagetes erecta), which produce large, round blooms on strong stems.

Varieties

'Giant Orange' and 'Giant Yellow' live up to their names with 3–4 inch blooms on 30-inch stems. 'Crackerjack' mix is widely available. The 'Jedi' and 'Taishan' series produce excellent cut flowers. For unique tones, 'Strawberry Blonde' offers soft peach and pink hues.

Growing

Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 4 weeks before. Seeds germinate in days and grow fast. Full sun, average soil. Marigolds tolerate heat and some drought. Space tall types 12–15 inches apart. Pinch for branching. Deadhead spent flowers to keep production going. They are one of the best flowers for pest deterrence, repelling some harmful nematodes and whiteflies.

Harvesting

Cut when the bloom is fully open. Harvest in morning. Strip foliage below the waterline (the leaves have a pungent smell that some find unpleasant). Condition in clean water. Vase life is an impressive 7–10 days.

In Arrangements

Marigolds provide dense, round forms in warm golds and oranges. Pair with zinnias, celosia, rudbeckia, and basil for fall bouquets. They also work in summer arrangements where you want bold, saturated color.