Marigolds are one of the most popular annual flowers. They are easy to grow from seeds or transplants, and if you give them the right conditions, they will fill your garden or container with bright flowers.
Tagetes, or marigolds, come in a range of sizes, from low plants that grow along edges to tall flowers that are cut. Their blooms are mostly solid orange, golden yellow, or white, but sometimes they have darker spots along the edges of the petals for decoration.
The flowers and leaves have a fresh, clean smell and are great for keeping insects and nematodes away from the soil. They can be grown in pots or in the garden.
Marigolds are a garden staple that bring vibrant color and cheer to gardens from spring through fall. Their bright blooms in yellow orange, red, and white shades attract pollinators while repelling pests. Many gardeners wait until spring to sow marigold seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. But did you know you can also plant marigolds in late summer for blooms the following year?
Planting marigolds in August allows you to get a head start on next year’s garden. With the right care fall-planted marigolds will overwinter and burst into bloom earlier than spring plantings. Here’s what you need to know about planting marigolds in the fall.
When to Plant Marigolds in Fall
Marigolds are hardy annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one season. The seeds germinate in fall, overwinter as small seedlings, then begin growing again in spring.
According to sources like the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the best time to plant marigold seeds for overwintering is August to September. This gives them enough warm weather to sprout before the first fall frost.
In warmer regions like zones 9-10, you can sow seeds as late as October or November. In colder zones, aim to plant at least 6-8 weeks before your average first fall frost date. Refer to frost date charts for your area.
Choosing a Site for Fall-Planted Marigolds
Marigolds need full sun to thrive. Select a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Well-drained soil is also essential. Amend clay soils with compost to improve drainage before planting.
For earlier blooms next spring, plant marigolds in a sheltered spot protected from harsh winds. Next to walls, fences, or hedges works well.
Container planting is another great option for fall marigolds. Use a quality potting mix and choose containers you can move to a protected spot over winter.
How to Plant Marigold Seeds in Fall
Planting marigold seeds in fall takes a few simple steps:
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Direct sow seeds into garden beds or containers. Marigolds germinate readily from seed and don’t need indoor starting.
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Plant seeds 1/4-1/2 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart. This allows enough space for seedlings to establish.
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Water gently after sowing and keep soil moist until sprouts appear. Cover seeded beds with cloth row covers to retain moisture.
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Thin overcrowded seedlings to 6-12 inches apart for proper growth. Consider transplanting thinnings to other beds or pots.
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Add a 2-4 inch layer of mulch over beds after sprouts emerge. This insulates plants from temperature fluctuations.
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Stop deadheading plants by mid-October. This allows them to set seed that nourishes overwintering seedlings.
With care, marigolds planted in fall will survive winter in zones 7-9. In colder climates, protect fall plantings with cold frames, cloches, or heavy mulch layers.
Caring for Overwintered Marigolds
Overwintered marigolds need attentive care to thrive in spring:
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In early spring, gently clear away any mulch and dead foliage to stimulate growth.
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Water plants when soil is partly dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to fungal diseases.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during active growth.
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Watch for early spring pests like slugs, snails, and aphids. Remove by hand or use organic remedies if needed.
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When nighttime temps stay above 50°F, stop cold protection methods. Allow plants to adjust to outdoors over 7-10 days.
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Pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushiness. Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering into summer.
With proper fall planting and overwinter care, marigolds started in August will leap into vigorous growth once spring arrives!
Best Varieties for Fall Planting
Though all marigolds can be planted in fall, smaller French and signet types are best suited to overwintering in pots and cold frames. Some top picks include:
French Marigolds
- ‘Petite’ series – compact 10-12 inch plants, great for edging
- ‘Bonanza’ series – large 2-3 inch double blooms
- ‘Hero’ series – free-flowering 10-12 inch plants
Signet Marigolds
- ‘Lulu’ – early flowering with unique bicolor blooms
- ‘Tangerine Gem’ – compact 10 inch plants, ideal for containers
Hybrid Marigolds
- ‘Durango’ series – vigorous, early to bloom, bold colors
Enjoy Cheery Blooms Earlier Next Year!
By planting marigolds in the fall, you can wake up to bright blooms earlier in the spring garden. This extends their flowering period for maximum color. Plus, overwintered plants often grow larger and fuller than spring-started marigolds. Just be sure to provide young plants with protection from harsh winter weather. With the right care, fall-started marigolds will become a staple in your year-round garden plans.
How to Grow Marigolds Throughout the Season
Growth Habit: Marigolds are compact growing, and will not sprawl, as many other annuals are prone to do. Keep spent blossoms and stems are pruned to encourage bushier growth.
Staking: Shorter varieties require no staking. Taller, cut flower types may benefit from staking to avoid falling over in strong wind.
If you want to water marigolds, let the soil dry out between applications. However, they can be picky if their leaves are wet. Plan to water at the base of the plant, and keep soil moist, yet not overly wet.
Fertilizing: Plant in nutrient rich soil, and fertilize, as needed. Too much fertilizer will stimulate lush foliage, at the expense of flowers.
Cutting
Mulching: You can put mulch around young plants to keep weeds away and keep the roots moist.
When & Where to Plant Marigolds
Light: Full sun, to partial shade.
Soil: Marigolds prefer fertile soil, preferably loose and loamy with adequate drainage, yet can also tolerate dry conditions.
Space: Plant seeds in the garden, 1 inch apart, or in seed trays to move them to the garden once they have roots. For shorter varieties, plant 8 inches apart, or 10-12 inches apart for the larger African types. Be sure leave enough room for plants to grow with enough air circulation.
Planting: Start seeds indoors, 4- 6 weeks before frost-free date. Place in a sunny window, and then transplant seedlings into the garden when danger of frost is past. Sow directly in the garden after danger of frost. Can be planted throughout the summer for a succession of blooms.
Why YOU Should Plant Marigolds. EVERYWHERE.
FAQ
How late can you plant marigolds?
Can you plant marigolds in September?
Can I plant marigolds in the fall?
Do marigolds do well in hot weather?
Do marigolds need potting soil?
You can check your marigold plant’s tag for specific information regarding soil needs. You may need to mix in some potting soil or other soil additives to get your soil to the ideal consistency. Choosing when to plant marigolds outside is an important consideration. If you plant them too early, there’s the risk of a late frost killing them off.
Can you plant marigold seeds outside?
This is because you wouldn’t have to worry about planting them in soil that is too cold. To plant marigold seeds outdoors, follow the steps below: Step 1: Prepare the soil for planting. Marigolds will thrive in soil that drains well and is loamy rather than sandy.
When should you plant marigolds?
I typically observe that these flowers thrive best when they are not at risk of cold weather damage. Timing is everything with marigolds. Ideally, I plant them outdoors after the last frost when the soil has warmed. This usually falls around late spring to early summer, depending on the climate where I live.
Can you grow marigolds from seed?
‘They are very productive and easy to grow from seed.’ Being a hardy annual, pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) can be sown direct into the soil outside in March, April, or May for summer flowers the same year. Alternatively, they can be sown direct into the soil outside in August or September for flowers the following year.