How to Grow Marigolds

Marigolds are one of the most rewarding annuals you can grow. They are low maintenance, fast growing, repel pests, and they will provide you with bright, continuous color until the fall frost.

There’s a reason why gardeners have been growing these flowers for a very long time. Simply it's because, they take off easily from seed, either grown indoors during the winter months or sown directly into the soil when it’s warmer out and so easy to grow and care of. Better yet, marigolds offers many benefits for your garden. From deterring pests to attracting pollinators and desirable insects, and improving the soil quality. Marigolds are not fussy and tolerate a wide range of soil and climate conditions, but most of all, they love heat. That's why marigolds should take the first place into your garden every year.

In order for your marigolds to be ready for planting outdoors in the spring, you will need to start growing marigolds from seed indoors about 50 to 60 days before the last frost date.

Not only are marigolds beautiful, but they are also beneficial to our gardens as a natural pest repellent by keeping both unwanted insects at bay and other small animals from eating the leaves off of your plants!

With some simple indoor steps, you can have your marigolds well on their way to impressive outdoor
blooms!
Read More:How to Grow Marigolds

I always put marigolds in the garden for pest control. This is the first I’ve heard of soil improvement. How do they do this?

Marigolds provide a natural pest deterrent to your plants. With their strong repulsive odor marigolds are quite significant at keeping tomato worms away. This aromatic plant can help repel root-knot nematodes, microscopic worms that live in the soil and can damage vegetable and fruit plants. The roots of marigold produce secretions that contain flavonoids, amines, amides, phenols and ketones that have insecticidal and nematicidal effects!

Hi Joe,
I believe that the marigolds either attract or feed beneficial nematodes.

I also always grow marigolds in my veggie garden.  I would say starting them indoors depends on where you live.  I live in N. California zone 9b and learned years ago direct seeding works so much better for me.  I Bought marigolds in early spring for instant color.  Planted seeds at the same time. The plant stayed about the same size and continued to flower. The seeds grew faster than I thought. Grew bigger stronger, and produced flowers like crazy. There was no comparison. Now I put the seeds in the garden. I'm not saying don't start them indoors, for some it's the only way.  I have a very long growing season and find planting seed directly in the garden grows healthier more productive plants.
What ever way works for you, marigolds and are an amazing companion plant.