Overview

Cheerful and easy to grow, marigolds are a popular annual for pots, borders and window boxes. Planted as a companion to more vulnerable flowers and vegetables, marigolds may repel nematodes, cutworms and rabbits.

Reliable marigolds are a garden favorite.

Features

Home gardeners can choose from a variety of marigold species, ranging in size from 6 to 48 inches tall with a similar spread. Abundant flowers appear in shades of orange, maroon, cream and yellow. Foliage is lacy and dark green.

Types

The four basic species of marigolds are: African, French, triploid and signet. Each of these species consists of many hybrids with variations in color and size.

Habitat

Moist, loamy soil produces the best flowers. Marigolds prefer full sun but will grow in partial shade. They are tender tropical plants killed by frost, but grow just about anyway as annuals.

Care

Stake taller species such as African or Aztec marigolds to prevent damage from wind. Pinch off spent flowers from all types to encourage additional flowering.

Warning

In hot, dry weather, spider mites may attack marigolds. Garden slugs also like to eat the plants.