Marigolds are native from Arizona and New Mexico to South America and Africa. Description
Plants have deep green aromatic feathery foliage and single to double flowers. Leaves
are usually opposite, simple, or more often pinnatified or pinnate.
Plant type and hardiness
Annual for most species; hardiness zone .
Height and width
Height up to 12 inches; width typically less than 1 foot.
Light and soil
Sun; moderately rich loam soil with a pH between 5 and 8.
Pests and disease
Few.
Cultivation
Transplant to 12 inches apart in late spring. Deadheading improves growth.
Insider's Secret
Deters eelworm when planted near potatoes, roses and tulips, tomato hornworm when planted near tomatoes, also deters beetles from beans, asparagus and squash. Some sources report marigolds deter aphids.
Propagation method
Seed.
Bloom time and color
Summer-frost; yellow, gold, orange, burgundy, rust, bicolor.
Harvesting
Gather open flowers.
Herbal uses
Decorative. Attractive flowers. Use for dye (lemon yellow; bright orange). Use in containers.
