Short ones don't need it until you remove the dead flowers. [1] X Research source Most of the country ranges from Zone 3 to Zone 10. Marigolds can be sown straight in the ground where they are going to flower, so make sure the soil you sow is weed free by using a trowel to remove the weeds. Triploid marigolds are a hybrid of French and African marigolds and are also sometimes known as “mule” marigolds because they cannot reproduce. Short varieties such as the French Marigolds germinate quickly and flower very fast within few weeks after planting. These flowers are easy to grow from seeds or seedlings. Plants readily germinate from seed and can be sown in situ or in trays and then transplanted at a later date. Marigolds are very easy to grow and are available in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, red, and mixed colors. I have over a 1000 marigold seeds. However, for the taller African ones, once the plant gets taller than desired, just pinch that top tall stem. I'm using individual indoor planters right now. Finally, fertilize the plants with a 20-10-20 fertilizer once every 2 weeks to keep them healthy and thriving. If you use marigolds in any edible preparation, wash them thoroughly first to remove any insecticidal soap residue. These will hinder root growth. For advice from our Horticultural reviewer on how to deadhead your marigolds so they produce more flowers, read on! To keep marigolds compact, pinch off new, unwanted growth. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Start with a tray or pot filled with damp soilless potting mix. They can be grown alone or mixed with other flowers, and do well in containers indoors. Scatter the seeds on top of the mix, then cover them with a very fine layer (less than ¼ inch (0.5 cm.)) Loved learning about all the different varieties of marigolds! Once these plants are 6 inches tall and look sturdy, transplant them outside in a sunny, warm spot. They will bloom from mid-summer all the way until frost. Sprinkle the marigold seeds over the potting mix. A 5-10-5 works fine. Some of the African Marigolds are day length sensitive and won't start blooming until days grow shorter in late summer. Sow seeds directly outside after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm up. Marigold plants are easygoing plants that bloom reliably, even in direct sunlight, punishing heat and poor to average soil.Though they are beautiful in the ground, growing Marigolds in containers is a surefire way to enjoy this delightful plant. Plant the marigold seeds about 1/8 inch deep. ", "Very valuable information for a new gardener like me. Why did my marigolds’s leaves change to red color? Marigolds survive best in full sunlight but can handle about 20% shade. Sign up for our newsletter. Growing Marigold Flowers – Sowing seeds indoors. As long as you plant them in areas of full sun, they should be particularly trouble-free plants. Scatter your seeds on the ground and cover them with a thin layer of very fine soil. It takes about six to eight weeks from the time of the germination of a marigold seed to produce a plant that is large enough to transplant outside. You can start seeds indoors, about 6 to 8 … Seal them in an air-tight container such as a mason jar in a cool, dry place. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Grow-Marigolds-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Marigolds-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Grow-Marigolds-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid857628-v4-728px-Grow-Marigolds-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"