- Marigolds grow and bloom from spring through summer, with reliable hardiness through the country. As annuals, they cannot survive frost or hard winters, so die off in fall and require replanting in spring in most areas.
- Gardeners in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, where frost is light, can maintain marigolds through winter as perennials. Gardeners in colder zones can grow marigolds in pots and take them inside in fall for winter protection, to maintain perennial growth.
- Marigolds grow and bloom best in full sun, and enjoy rich, organic soils that give them plenty of deep nutrition. They always require quick, efficient drainage, and cannot grow in low-lying spots. Choose a spot that satisfies light and drainage requirements, and mix organic compost or peat moss into the top 3 inches of soil. Plant marigolds 6 to 18 inches apart, depending on cultivar size.
- Water the marigolds with 2 to 3 inches of water every week to maintain soil moisture and deadhead the plants through the season to encourage continued blooming. Feed marigolds with 5-10-5 fertilizer early in the season to give them the resources for growth and blooming, and use mulch to protect soil moisture and warmth through summer. Gardeners who want to maintain marigolds through winter must move them or mulch them heavily in fall, depending on growing zone.
Growing Season
Perennial Growth
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