Where to Buy Marigold Plants for Your Garden

Marigolds are a beloved annual flower known for their bright, cheerful blooms in shades of yellow, orange, red and multi-colors These classic garden plants are easy to grow, bloom continuously from spring through fall, and add a colorful punch of color wherever planted. Marigolds are one of the most popular flowers for beds, borders, containers, and ornamental gardens They also repel pests, making them a smart companion plant for vegetable gardens.

When choosing marigold plants, you’ll first want to decide which type or variety best suits your needs Here’s an overview of the most common options

African Marigolds

These large, pompom-like blooms come in bold oranges, yellows and multi-colored combinations. African marigolds grow up to 3 feet tall and wide, with large, dense flowers up to 5 inches across. They make a big visual impact in borders and beds. Popular varieties include Inca, Antigua, Bonanza and Super Hero.

French Marigolds

With smaller pom-pom flowers and more compact growth of 6-18 inches tall, French marigolds are ideal for edging fronts of beds and ornamental pots. Look for single or double blooms in oranges, reds, yellows and multi-shades. Some top varieties are Durango, Harlequin and Janie.

Signet Marigolds

This marigold type has single, daisy-like flowers on compact 10-inch tall plants. Blooms come in warm yellows, oranges and reds with delicate, feathery foliage. Try types like Lemon Gem and Tangerine Gem.

Triploid Marigolds

These hybrid marigolds deliver larger, showier flowers and vigorous growth. Triploids stay neat and tidy, reaching 10 to 20 inches tall. Popular varieties include the Super Hero and Moonsong series.

Once you decide which marigold type fits your needs, it’s time to shop for plants. Here are some of the best places to buy marigolds:

Local Garden Centers

Independent garden centers and nurseries offer the largest selection and highest quality marigold plants. Most grow their own stock locally, so plants are already acclimated and ready to thrive. You can hand select each plant for optimal health and performance. Many garden centers sell both seedlings in flats or mini starter pots as well as larger, pre-potted plants ready for instant impact.

Home Improvement Stores

Big box stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart stock a decent selection of common marigold varieties in spring and summer. The convenience and one-stop shopping can’t be beat. Just be aware that mass-produced plants are not always cared for as well as those from local growers. Inspect plants closely and avoid any that appear stressed, rootbound or overwatered.

Online Retailers

Websites like Spring Hill Nursery, Breck’s, Gurney’s and Nature Hills sell marigold plants that ship directly to your door. Order early for the best selection. Keep an eye out for special online sales and coupons too. The downside is you can’t inspect plants in person, so be sure the retailer guarantees live delivery and has a good return policy.

Mail Order Nurseries

Reputable mail order specialists like Burpee, Park Seed, Jackson & Perkins, Michigan Bulb Co. and Wayside Gardens let you order marigolds from catalogs or their websites for prompt delivery. This is a convenient way to get premium named varieties you can’t always find locally. Order early before plants sell out.

Supermarkets and Big Box Stores

Many grocers and retailers like Costco, Trader Joe’s, Safeway and Whole Foods bring in marigolds seasonally along with vegetable plants and herbs. Selection is limited but impulse plant purchases are easy and affordable. Avoid plants that appear rootbound or dry.

Flea Markets and Farm Stands

You can sometimes find marigold plants for sale alongside produce at farm markets, nurseries and weekend flea markets. Quality and selection varies, but deals abound if you don’t mind hunting for plants and bargaining. Ask sellers about the source and care of plants before purchasing.

DIY Propagation

Of course, the most cost effective option is propagating your own marigold plants from seed or cuttings. Starting seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost allows you to grow exactly what you want. Taking cuttings from existing marigolds enables multiplying favorites already proven to thrive. DIY propagating does require more time and effort, though.

When shopping for marigold plants, follow these tips to pick winners:

• Seek stocky, healthy plants with thick stems and dense foliage. Avoid spindly, weak plants.

• Choose plants with abundant buds ready to open into flowers.

• Look for dark green leaves without spots, yellowing or insect damage.

• Select plants in containers or six packs where roots fill but don’t encircle pots.

• Skip plants that are rootbound, dried out, wilted or blooming prematurely.

• Search for proven disease-resistant varieties when possible.

• Read plant tags and descriptions to match the right marigold types to your growing conditions.

• Time purchases so plants are 4-6 weeks old and ready to transplant into your garden.

• Buy early for the best selection and availability of marigold varieties.

With the right marigold plants selected and cared for, you’ll be rewarded with months of bright, beautiful blooms and carefree garden color. Marigolds are easy to succeed with as long as you start with quality plants from a reliable source. Do your homework when buying marigolds so you invest in plants ready to thrive and maximize your garden pleasure.