How to Plant Marigold Flowers

Overview

The marigold is valued by landscapers and residents, alike. These flowers not only provide a colorful bright spot but also have a long blooming season. The pungent odor expelled from this annual is a natural pest repellent. Marigolds are one of the easiest flowers to grow without much effort.

Step 1

Start marigold seeds indoors, 4 to 5 weeks before the last predicted frost in your location. Fill small kitchen containers or paper cups with commercial potting soil, ¼ inch from the top.

Step 2

Moisten the soil by spraying it with a water bottle mister. Place a seed in each container. The depth will depend on the variety of marigold. Check the back of the seed packet for directions. The general rule, however, is to plant seeds 3 times the depth of the length of the seed. Cover the seed with soil, gently.

Step 3

Place the containers in a tray and set it by a sunny window. Mist the soil to keep it moist, but not sopping wet. The Marigolds will germinate quickly and easily.

Step 4

Dig holes for your marigolds, in your yard, after the last frost of the season. The holes should be as deep as the containers. Spaced them 4 to 6 inches apart for the miniature marigold varieties and 1 to 2 feet apart for the giant types.

Step 5

Remove the seedlings from the containers. Place these annuals in the holes and work the soil in around them. Pat the soil gently on the top of the plant soil to secure it in the ground.

Step 6

Add a general purpose fertilizer to the ground where the marigolds are planted, once a month.

Step 7

Water them only to keep them moist, about once a week. Marigolds do not like sopping soil. Check the dryness of the soil often when the weather is warm and dry, as additional watering may be necessary.