How to grow marigold
French marigolds grown as a dense cover crop can suppress root-knot nematodes over a season.
Your marigold dates
Companions
Bush beanCucumberEggplantFennelMelonPepperPole beanPotatoTomatoWinter squashZucchini
Rotation and family
Marigold belongs to the companion flowers (various). Draw pollinators and hoverflies; nasturtiums act as aphid decoys.
It can fill gaps in any bed of your rotation.
When to plant marigold by zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow / plant out |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | May 27 – Jun 17 |
| 4 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | May 19 – Jun 9 |
| 5 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 28 |
| 6 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| 7 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| 9 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Mar 1 – Mar 22 |
| 10 | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Feb 8 – Mar 1 |
Based on typical frost dates for each zone; b half-zones run about a week earlier in spring. Zones 11–13 are frost-free in most years.
Marigold questions
When should I plant marigold?
Plant marigold outdoors 1 week after your last spring frost. Start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before your last frost.
How far apart should I plant marigold?
About 6 inches apart, or 4 per square foot in a square foot garden.
What grows well with marigold?
Traditional companions include bush bean, cucumber, eggplant, fennel, melon, pepper, pole bean, potato, tomato, winter squash, zucchini.
How long does marigold take to grow?
Typically 50–60 days from sowing to first harvest, depending on variety and weather.