How to grow french marigolds

Tagetes patula · asteraceae family · annual crop

French marigold — hero (AI-generated reference image) — AI-generated reference image. Have a photo of this plant? Suggest one below.

Growing basics

French marigold is a warm-season crop, started from seed in the garden or transplanted.

Seeds germinate once soil reaches about 65°F.

Varieties in the library run 50 to 65 days to maturity.

Grows best in full sun.

Frost-tender: plants go out after the last frost.

Space plants 7 to 10 inches apart.

Sources

UMN Extension, Marigolds
Clemson HGIC 1168, How to Grow and Care for Marigolds in South Carolina (corroborating: indoor germination at 70–75 °F; outdoor direct sow after soil warms and frost danger passes, no explicit outdoor soil temp cited)

2 french marigolds in the library

Sparky Mix · Single Gold

Each has a full cited page in the library.

Pests and diseases we cover

Aphid
Two-spotted spider mite
Powdery mildew

Identification and treatment for each, with photos, in the library.

Row & Bed covers 2 french marigold varieties, each with a cited care timeline and fertilization schedule, identification and treatment for the 2 pests and disease that reach them, and planting windows worked out for your ZIP.

Set up your garden

See something that does not match your garden? Write to andy@rowandbed.com.