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French Marigold

Family: Asteraceae Flowering annual
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add French Marigold to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Sun-warmed petals unfurl in a riot of color—velvety, warm amber and burnished gold edged with ember-red—bringing an instant glow to the garden from early summer through fall.

French Marigold forms tidy, branching mounds with abundant blooms that feel plush to the eye and hold their shape beautifully in beds, borders, and containers. Grow French Marigold for bold, long-lasting flower power that shines in mass plantings and adds a vivid, fragrant presence wherever you need color most.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of French Marigold

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsDirect Sow
Last FrostApr 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsApr 25th
Harvest BeginsJul 4th
Harvest EndsOct 16th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity70
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBush
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)55
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)5

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Tagetes patula (French marigold), and how can I control it?
French marigold commonly suffers from powdery mildew when nights are cool and humidity is high, showing as a white, dusty coating on leaves. Remove badly infected leaves, water at the soil line in the morning, and increase airflow by spacing plants so foliage doesn’t stay wet. If it keeps spreading, use a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew on ornamentals and repeat according to the label schedule.
How often should I water Tagetes patula during its main growing phase?
During active growth, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—about 1–2 cm (0.5–1 in) of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm (1 in) of soil feels dry to the touch, since French marigold does poorly in persistently wet beds. In full sun, very hot spells may require more frequent deep watering, but always let the soil dry slightly between cycles.
How do I know when French marigold (Tagetes patula) is ready to harvest for flowers?
French marigold is ready to harvest when flower heads are fully colored and open, typically about 70 days from sowing, and the central florets look developed (not tight or shrunken). For best blooms, pick flowers regularly as soon as they are at full show and harvest in the morning when petals are dry. If you’re aiming for seed, leave spent flowers on the plant until the seed heads are dry and the seeds darken and rattle easily.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for French Marigold in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 55°F before transplanting French Marigold.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting French Marigold.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for French Marigold in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 55°F before transplanting French Marigold.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting French Marigold.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 55°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 5 days first.

Expert Note

For best compact growth, keep seedlings from getting leggy—start cool-to-moderate (and only transplant after nights are reliably warm).