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Marigold Growing Guide
Asteraceae family
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Vegetative Growth
- Flowering
- Fruiting / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 13 | Jun 1 | Jun 1 | Jul 6 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 13 | Jun 1 | Jun 1 | Jul 6 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 3 | May 22 | May 22 | Jun 26 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 13 | Jun 1 | Jun 1 | Jul 6 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 10 | May 29 | May 29 | Jul 3 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 3 | May 22 | May 22 | Jun 26 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 24 | May 12 | May 12 | Jun 16 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | May 8 | May 8 | Jun 12 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 17 | May 5 | May 5 | Jun 9 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 17 | May 5 | May 5 | Jun 9 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 17 | May 5 | May 5 | Jun 9 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 4 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | May 27 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 4 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | May 27 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 27 | Apr 17 | Apr 17 | May 22 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 12 | May 17 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 8 | Mar 29 | Mar 29 | May 3 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 6 | Mar 27 | Mar 27 | May 1 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 27 | Mar 17 | Mar 17 | Apr 21 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 9 | Feb 27 | Feb 27 | Apr 3 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 17 | Feb 4 | Feb 4 | Mar 11 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 17 | Feb 4 | Feb 4 | Mar 11 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 4 | Jan 22 | Jan 22 | Feb 26 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Feb 12 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Feb 12 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Feb 12 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Feb 12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Marigold?
Marigold takes approximately 50 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Marigold need?
Marigold requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Marigold?
Plant Marigold at 4/sqft (6" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Marigold survive frost?
Marigold is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.
What are good companion plants for Marigold?
Good companion plants for Marigold include Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Squash, Cucumbers. Avoid planting near Beans, Cabbage.
How long does Marigold take to germinate?
Marigold seeds germinate in 5-10 days at an optimal temperature of 75°F.
When should I start Marigold seeds indoors?
Start Marigold seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 1 week after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Plant around vegetables to deter nematodes and whiteflies
- Deadhead regularly for continuous blooming through frost
- Easy from seed; direct sow after last frost
Common Pests & Diseases
- Slugs
- Spider mites
- Botrytis in wet conditions
Harvest Notes
Pick flowers for arrangements when fully open. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering. Some varieties have edible petals.
Plan Your Marigold Garden
Track Marigold from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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