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While marigolds are known for adding color to your yard, these hardy plants bloom all the way through summer and into late fall. Marigolds are great for kitchen gardens, and you’ll be happy to know that they also make great companion plants for any vegetable you choose to grow.
If you want your marigolds to flower all summer, you should know when and how to water them when you plant them outside. These flowers tend to thrive in full sun conditions and fertile soil.
When you decide how often to water these plants, you need to think about a lot of things, like the weather, the soil, and the type of marigolds you have.
With their bright cheery blooms marigolds are a beloved flower for gardens and containers. Proper watering is key to keeping marigolds looking their best all season. Learn the optimal frequency and methods for watering marigolds in beds, pots and various weather conditions.
Newly Planted Marigold Watering Needs
When you first plant marigolds outdoors, the freshly established plants need extra moisture while their roots take hold. Water marigolds thoroughly immediately after transplanting seedlings or sowing seeds. Watering at planting helps remove air pockets around the roots and promotes good soil contact.
For the first 1-2 weeks after planting, marigolds require frequent watering to keep the root zone continuously moist but not soggy. Water new marigolds every 2-3 days during this initial establishment period. Shallow watering is sufficient since the new roots are near the soil surface.
Established Marigold Watering Frequency
Once marigolds have been growing for 2-3 weeks you can transition to a less frequent but deeper watering routine. Established marigold roots penetrate farther into the ground accessing moisture from a larger area.
Aim to water established marigolds in gardens 1-2 times per week. Water potted marigolds 2-3 times per week. Always check soil moisture before watering – marigolds need watering when the top 1 inch of soil becomes dry. Avoid overwatering as too much moisture can lead to root rot.
When watering established marigolds, aim for a thorough soaking that penetrates 6-12 inches deep into the soil This encourages deeper root growth and stronger plants. Let the soil dry out partially between waterings
Watering Marigolds in Hot Weather
During periods of hot, dry weather marigolds need more frequent watering to compensate for increased evaporation and plant transpiration. To keep marigolds thriving in heat and full sun exposures, increase watering to every 2-3 days for in-ground plantings and possibly daily for containers and raised beds.
Ensure marigolds get adequate moisture by watering in the early morning or evening when evaporation rates are lower. Avoid wetting the foliage which can burn the leaves in hot sun. Deep watering is ideal to soak roots. Add mulch to conserve soil moisture. Move containers to partial shade if possible.
Watering Marigolds in Rainy Weather
In cool, rainy weather marigolds need less frequent watering. Allow the soil surface to become nearly dry between waterings. Check moisture 2-3 inches below the surface, watering only when this sub-layer becomes dry. Reduce watering pots to once or twice weekly depending on rain frequency.
Excessive moisture during rainy periods can lead to root rot and foliar diseases. Space marigolds properly for good air circulation. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering and allow time for foliage to fully dry each day.
How to Water Marigolds
Water marigolds early in the day using a gentle spray setting on your hose end sprayer. Or use a watering can for pots. Soak the entire root zone area thoroughly when watering, not just the immediate plant bases. Water deeply – marigolds have deep taproots when established.
Always water the soil directly rather than spraying water on the foliage. Wet leaves in sunlight can scorch or develop fungal disease. Check that excess water drains well after each watering session.
For containers, water until it flows from the drainage holes at the bottom, then stop. Allow pots to drain fully before returning to the sun. Self-watering pots are excellent choices for maintenance-free watering.
Signs Marigolds Need Watering
Check marigold soil moisture before watering. Also observe the plant’s appearance for signals of underwatering:
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Wilting or drooping leaves and flowers
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Leaves appear dull, less vibrant in color
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Stunted growth
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Flowers smaller than normal
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Leaf scorching or browning at leaf edges
By mastering proper marigold watering technique, timing and frequency, you can enjoy bold, flowering marigolds from spring through fall frost. Consistent deep watering encourages healthy marigold growth and keeps these heat-loving plants looking their best.
How often should you water your marigolds after they are established?
After your marigolds are established you will not need to water them as frequently as you did before.
Marigolds thrive best in well-drained soil, so you should aim to water them deeply but infrequently says Peter Schultz, head gardener at Thrive Green Life. Aim to water your marigolds once or twice a week ensuring that the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged, he says.
Too much watering can cause root rot in marigolds. If the soil is too wet, the roots won’t be able to breathe, which can make the plants sick.
A good practice is to water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out between watering. This works by imitating the natural cycle of dry and wet times, which help roots grow in a healthy way all the time.
Peter is a seasoned gardener dedicated to the art of cultivating and flourishing vegetables and flowers. He is also the Head Gardener at Thrive Green Life, a gardening blog based in the US.
How often should you water your marigolds in warm temperatures?
It is important to monitor any plants when watering in hot weather. Just like other plants, your marigolds tend to dry out quickly when it’s hot outside, especially if they’re in full sun.
Even though these plants do best in sunny spots, you will need to change how often you water them when it’s very hot. Tony O’Neill, a gardening expert at Simplify Gardening, says, “Marigolds need more water when it’s hot and dry, especially if they are growing in pots or raised beds.”
Aim to water your marigolds every other day when the weather is hot. For this to work best, do it in the morning and evening, when most of the water is still in the ground.
Also, make sure that water doesn’t get on your plant’s leaves so that they don’t burn in the sun.
Tony ONeill is an accomplished gardening expert, author, and educator. With a goal of making gardening easier, he has inspired many people through his popular YouTube channel and website, SimplifyGardening. com. Tonys expertise empowers individuals to cultivate thriving gardens and connect with nature.
NatureZ Edge Marigold Seeds Mix, Over 5600 Seeds, $11. 49 at Amazon. This is a lovely mix of three kinds of marigold seeds: Sparky French, Petite French, and Dainty Marietta French.
How Often to Water Marigolds?
FAQ
Can you overwater marigolds?
Do marigolds need sun or shade?
How do you keep potted marigolds alive?
How often should I water potted marigolds?
How often should you water marigolds?
Aim to water your marigolds every other day when the weather is hot. This practice is best done in the morning and evening to avoid the majority of the water being lost through evaporation. It is also important to avoid getting water on the foliage of your plant so that the leaves do not burn or scorch under the sun’s rays.
Do marigolds need to be watered before wilting?
Do not let your marigold plant sit in water. Established marigolds do not need to be watered as frequently as new marigolds and can go for several days without water before wilting. If you are growing marigolds in containers or raised beds, make sure to check the soil about once a week for dryness and water them as needed.
How long can marigolds go without water?
Marigold seeds and new plants should not be allowed to dry out for more than two days. Frequent watering (daily) is best until your marigolds are established. Once mature, marigolds can go for one week without water.
Should you water marigolds if it rains?
So, if you have heavy rainfall, you might not need to water them at all. Don’t water if rain is expected within 24 hours. Marigolds prefer moist but not overly wet soil conditions, so watering after rain can cause root rot or fungus problems if the soil is left too damp for too long after watering.
Do marigolds drink water from above?
You might assume that marigolds drink water through their leaves or flowers, but they actually absorb water through the ground and into their root system. So it’s best to avoid watering them from above unless there’s no way around it.
How do you water a marigold plant?
One of the best things you can do to water your marigold plants is to install a drip irrigation system that will reduce the effort considerably. In pots – If your marigolds are growing in pots or containers, then you should pour water directly into the container until there is a good amount of excess moisture at the bottom.