Marigold
Tagetes patula
French marigolds are compact, bushy annuals producing a profusion of brightly coloured flowers from June to the first frosts. Available in shades of yellow, orange, red, and bicolour, they are among the most reliable bedding plants for UK gardens. Their strong scent repels whitefly, making them popular companion plants in the greenhouse and vegetable garden. Easy to grow from seed, they flower within 8-10 weeks of sowing.
Full growing guide
How to Grow Marigolds in the UK
How to grow marigold
Sow seed indoors in March or April at 18-21 degrees Celsius. Seeds germinate quickly, within 5-7 days. Pot on seedlings and harden off before planting out after the last frost in late May. Space plants 20-25 cm apart in a sunny position. Marigolds are not fussy about soil but perform best in well-drained ground. Water regularly during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers frequently to keep plants blooming continuously. Feed container-grown plants fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser. French marigolds are outstanding companion plants — their root secretions suppress nematodes in the soil, and their scent confuses whitefly seeking tomato plants. Plant them alongside tomatoes, courgettes, and peppers in the greenhouse and vegetable garden. Save seed from open-pollinated varieties for the following year.
Pruning
Deadhead regularly by snapping off faded flowers with their stalks. Pinch out the central growing tip of young plants to encourage branching. No other pruning needed.
Propagation
- Seed (sow indoors March-April)
Common problems
- Slugs and snails on young plants
- Grey mould in wet weather
- Earwigs
- Aphids
Good companions
Related guides
Companion Planting Guide UK
A friendly guide to companion planting in UK gardens. The best plant pairings, which ones to keep apart, and an easy chart for your veg plot.
UK Flower Planting Calendar
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Container Vegetable Gardening UK
How to grow vegetables in pots on a UK patio, balcony or doorstep: the best crops, pot sizes, compost, watering and feeding, plus a simple six-pot plan.