How to Use Hybrid Marigolds in Home Gardens

Marigolds grown in the home garden are easy whether grown from seeds or transplants. There are African, French and hybrid Tagetes , all in a variety of colors and flower forms

Marigolds are annual plants that will work in perennial plantings, container gardens, attracting pollinators, edging a walkway, for cut flowers and in vegetable gardens. Marigold seeds can be started early indoors or outside after frost is gone and soil is warm.

Hybrid Marigolds Bloom all Summer

Hybrid marigolds are a cross between Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula plants. The hybrid plants are unaffected by heat stress and continue blooming throughout the summer. The flowers form as single, semi-double and double blooms in a far ranging collection of colors similar to French marigolds. The plants grow 10″ – 16″ tall. An example of a hybrid marigold is ‘Zeith Red,’ a plant with red and gold 3″ – 4″ diameter blooms.

Unfortunately, hybrid marigolds are sterile and do not set seeds. Gardeners who want to save seeds for starting the following year will want to choose other types of marigolds.

Tagetes Erecta Double Flowers

Tagetes erecta flower, misnamed African marigold as the plant is native to Mexico and South America, is a semi-double and double, measuring 3″ – 4″ across. The flowers are in solid colors of white and pale cream to gold and orange. Typically, plants grow from 9″ – 40″ tall depending on the cultivar.

African marigolds have longer stems and their foliage is heavily scented, making them useful for fragrant and cutting gardens. African marigolds should be spaced farther apart in a planting bed, requiring fewer plants to purchase. The Tagetes erecta‘Taishan Yellow’ is a dwarf plant which spreads 8″ – 10.”

Compact Tagetes Patula Plants

Tagetes patula marigolds are more often called French marigolds. It is a compact plant with flowers in a wider range of colors than the African marigold, many with multi-color patterns. The French marigold Durango™ series spans yellow to reddish colors.

Marigold flowers are easy to start from seed. Like other annuals started from seed, French marigolds can be started outside in warm soil and take 6 – 12 weeks to flower. African marigold seeds should be started indoors, 8 weeks prior to planting outside.

Marigolds and Tomato Vegetable Plants

Organic gardeners use companion planting strategies to discourage plant pests from harming vegetable plants. Many gardeners believe marigolds will distract rabbits and rodents after the plants are mature and the stems no longer tender.

Tomato and marigold plants are one combination used to suppress parasitic nematodes. The National Garden Bureau concludes, ‚”Tagetes contributes to the control of harmful nematode pollutions in garden soil.”

Whatever a gardener’s style or need, marigolds will fit in. The annual marigold plant covers the gambit from a very good first-time plant to a sentimental favorite with special memories. Marigolds are easily planted with other flowers and vegetables in a home garden.