A lot of people like marigolds as garden plants because they grow quickly and easily and come in many colors and sizes. You can also grow marigolds indoors as house plants.
Marigold types can be anywhere from 6 inches to 4 feet tall and from 6 inches to 3 feet wide. For growing indoors, pick a smaller type, like dwarf French marigolds, which are less than 12 inches tall when fully grown.
To start, you can plant marigold seeds in shallow seed trays. Once the plants start to grow, you can move them to pots or planters. Or you can plant the seeds directly in the pot youd like to display the plant in. Plant seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in good potting soil. Keep the seeds moist in a warm, sunny place.
Indoor marigolds will grow best in a sunny, south-facing window. If you don’t have a window that gets full sun, a grow light will also work well for marigolds.
While many people consider marigolds a warm-weather plant, marigolds can be grown indoors year-round. Their bright flowers make them a good choice for an indoor winter flower garden.
Some people don’t like the strong smell of marigolds, so keep that in mind if you plan to grow them in a small space. There are a few odorless varieties of marigolds, but seeds can be difficult to find.
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Marigolds are one of the most popular flowers grown in home gardens. Their bright, cheerful blooms come in a variety of colors like yellow, orange red and even maroon. Marigolds are hardy easy to grow, and require minimal care, making them an ideal plant for beginner gardeners.
But did you know marigolds can also be grown successfully indoors? With proper care, you can enjoy these colorful blossoms all year round, even when it’s cold outside In this complete guide, we’ll explore how to grow marigolds indoors, including tips on lighting, soil, watering, fertilizing, and more.
Why Grow Marigolds Indoors?
Here are some of the top reasons to grow marigolds inside
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Year-round color and blooms – Marigolds are prolific bloomers. Growing them indoors allows you to enjoy their flowers regardless of the season.
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Air purifying properties – Marigolds naturally filter the air by removing harmful pollutants. Having these cheerful flowers in your home can improve indoor air quality.
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Pest control – The pungent scent of marigolds helps deter common indoor pests like aphids and whiteflies. Interplanting them with vegetables and houseplants acts as a natural pest repellent.
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Culinary and medicinal uses – Marigold petals are edible and often used in salads or as a colorful garnish. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and have been used traditionally for wound healing.
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Low maintenance – These resilient plants don’t require much specialized care when grown as houseplants. Their compact size also makes them ideal for windowsills and tabletops.
Choosing the Right Marigold Varieties
When selecting marigolds for indoor growing, choose compact, dwarf or pot marigold varieties that grow to a maximum height of 1-2 feet. Tall, large-flowered African marigolds are best suited for outdoor beds and borders.
Some top marigold varieties for indoor cultivation include:
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French marigolds – These marigolds produce small, crested flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red and mahogany. They are the most commonly grown type indoors. Popular French marigold cultivars are ‘Petite Mix’, ‘Bonanza’, ‘Disco’ and ‘Queen Sophia’.
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Signet marigolds – Also known as gem marigolds, these have single, daisy-like blooms. Their leaves and flowers have a tarragon-like flavor perfect for culinary use. ‘Lemon Gem’ and ‘Tangerine Gem’ are two dwarf signet marigold varieties that grow well indoors.
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Triploid marigolds – Hybrids like ‘First Lady’ and ‘Durango’ produce large double flowers but stay compact. They are unable to set seed so they bloom continuously.
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African marigolds – For a dwarf African marigold, go for ‘Little Hero’ or ‘Little Diamond’ that grow only 8-10 inches tall.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
Marigolds aren’t too fussy and can adapt to typical indoor environments quite well. But providing optimal growing conditions gives the best results:
Light
Bright light is essential for good growth and flowering. Place marigolds near a sunny, south-facing window where they receive at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Supplement with artificial lights like LED grow lights during winter months when sunlight is scarce. Avoid spots that get too hot as it can scorch the flowers.
Temperature
Marigolds thrive in average room temperatures between 65°F-75°F. Keep them away from drafty areas as well as heat sources like appliances or heating vents.
Soil
Use a general purpose potting mix that drains well but also retains some moisture. Enrich it with compost or worm castings. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, around 6.0-6.5.
Pot
Pick containers with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Clay or ceramic pots help keep the soil cooled while plastic pots retain more moisture. For full, bushy growth, choose a pot that is wider than it is deep.
Water
Water marigolds when the top inch of soil is dry. Take care not to overwater as soggy soil will cause the stems to rot. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows down. The soil should not be allowed to completely dry out either.
Humidity
Marigolds grow well in average household humidity. Misting the plants occasionally helps boost moisture when humidity levels are very low.
Fertilizer
Feed marigolds with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season from spring to early fall. This encourages blooming. Cease fertilizing over winter when the plants are dormant.
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Marigolds Indoors
Follow these simple tips for successfully growing marigolds as houseplants:
1. Sow seeds or use transplants
Marigolds can be started indoors from seeds 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow 2-3 seeds in small pots or seed starting trays filled with seed starting mix. Cover lightly with 1/4 inch soil.
Keep the soil evenly moist and provide temperatures around 70°F for good germination which takes 5-7 days. Thin out the seedlings after 2-3 weeks, leaving just one healthy plant per pot.
Alternatively, purchase marigold transplants from nurseries and transplant them into appropriate sized pots.
2. Provide optimal growing conditions
Place the marigold pots in a spot where they receive bright, direct light for at least 5 hours daily. Maintain daytime temperatures of 65-75°F and nighttime temperatures around 55-60°F. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
3. Encourage bushy growth
Pinching off the main stem tip when the plant is 4-6 inches tall encourages bushier, compact growth perfect for indoor growing.
4. Deadhead spent flowers
Deadheading or removing faded blooms stimulates new flower production. Snip off old flowers just above a leaf node using pruners.
5. Enjoy the harvest
Marigolds start flowering about 8-10 weeks after sowing seeds. Harvest the edible flowers when fully open by snipping off the heads. Use them immediately for maximum flavor and culinary benefits.
6. Prune annually
In late winter or early spring, prune the plants by cutting them back halfway to renew growth. Re-pot in fresh soil if the roots are pot bound.
With the right care, marigolds will brighten up your indoor space with months of colorful blooms and attractive foliage. Their bright petals also lend a lively flavor and aesthetic appeal to various dishes. A windowsill filled with marigolds can turn any room into a small slice of summer garden!
Troubleshooting Common Marigold Growing Problems Indoors
When caring for indoor marigolds, you may encounter some issues like:
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Yellow or drooping leaves – This can be from overwatering, lack of fertilization, insufficient light or cold drafts. Adjust the growing conditions and prune off any dead or dying foliage.
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Leggy growth – If plants start stretching out, it indicates they need more sunlight. Rotate the pots periodically so all sides get adequate light exposure.
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Failure to bloom – Marigolds need at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to flower well. Low light results in weak, lanky growth and no flowers.
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Slow growth – Very slow growth usually happens from insufficient fertilization or temperatures that are too cold. Increase the room temperature slightly and feed more often.
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Pale flowers – Flowers turning pale and lacking vibrancy can be due to nutrient deficiencies. Add a balanced fertilizer to the soil as needed.
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Blossom drop – Overwatering, under watering, temperature extremes or waterlogging can cause buds and blossoms to drop prematurely before fully opening.
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Insect pests – Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites and thrips may infest leaves. Check undersides of leaves regularly and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat infestations before they get severe.
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Fungal diseases – Overcrowding, excessive moisture and poor air circulation can lead to fungal issues like botrytis, powdery mildew, downy mildew or root rot. Improve growing conditions and use fungicidal sprays if required.
With attentive care and quick troubleshooting, you can enjoy growing marigolds as attractive and productive houseplants!
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Marigolds Indoors
Here are answers to some common queries about cultivating marigolds inside:
Can marigolds be grown indoors from seeds?
Yes, marigolds can be started quite easily from seeds indoors. Sow the seeds in starter mix 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Provide adequate warmth and moisture for germination. Transplant the seedlings when they are a few inches tall.
What size pot do marigolds need indoors?
Choose pots that are 5-6 inches wide or larger for one marigold plant. Use containers with drainage holes at the bottom and a quality potting mix. For bushy growth, pick wider pots rather than deep pots.
How much light do indoor marigolds need?
Marigolds require very bright light to bloom well indoors. Provide at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight from a south facing window daily. Supplement with grow lights on cloudy days or in winter.
How often to water marigolds indoors?
Check the soil before watering and water only when the top 1 inch becomes dry. During the active growing period, marigolds need watering about 2-3 times a week typically. Reduce frequency in winter. Take care not to overwater.
What temperature is best for indoor marigolds?
Daytime temperatures between 65°F-75°F are ideal for marigolds grown inside. Nighttime temps around 55-60°F allow the plants to thrive. Avoid drafty areas and cold windowsills.
When do marigolds bloom indoors?
If started from seeds indoors, marigolds will begin blooming in about 8-10 weeks typically. Transplants may bloom sooner. Flowering lasts for many weeks with proper care and deadheading of spent blooms.
The Best Companion Plants for Marigolds
Some great options for companion planting with marigolds include:
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Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, squash, radish, broccoli
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Herbs like basil, oregano, parsley, dill
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Annual flowers like zinnias, petunias, cosmos, zinnias
Marigolds help deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and stimulate growth in these companion plants. Their bright blossoms also make perfect neighbors in both edible and ornamental gardens.