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SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Marigold

Family: Asteraceae Flowering annual
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

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

Sun-warmed and richly aromatic, French marigold ‘Marigold’ blooms with velvety, layered petals that glow in bright, saturated tones and hold their color through heat.

The flower’s texture is plush and full, with an upright, tidy habit that makes each bloom feel like a little bouquet in the garden. Ideal for edging and beds, ‘Marigold’ shines as a vivid, long-lasting ornamental—an easy favorite for adding bold, Aster-like charm all season long.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Clumping

Botanical illustration of Marigold

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

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsMar 28th
Last FrostApr 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsApr 25th
Harvest BeginsJun 14th
Harvest EndsOct 16th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity50
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitClumping
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthSurface
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)7

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Tagetes patula (French marigold), and how can I treat it?
The most common problem is powdery mildew, which shows up as a white, powdery coating on leaves during warm, humid periods. Improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the base, then remove heavily affected leaves. If needed, spray with an all-in-one fungicide labeled for powdery mildew on ornamentals and repeat as directed until new growth is clean.
How often should I water Tagetes patula during the main growing phase?
Keep soil consistently lightly moist while plants are establishing, usually watering whenever the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Once Tagetes patula is actively growing, water deeply about 1–2 times per week, increasing to more frequent watering during hot weather. Avoid soggy soil—marigolds in wet, poorly drained beds are more prone to mildew.
How do I know when Tagetes patula is ready to harvest?
Tagetes patula is typically ready for first harvest around 50 days after sowing when flower heads are fully formed and brightly colored. For cutting, pick blooms in the morning when petals are crisp and centers are developed; deadhead soon after flowering to encourage more buds. If you’re collecting seed, leave some flower heads on the plant until the heads dry and the seeds are dark and firm before harvesting.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Marigold in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Marigold.

Garden Alerts

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

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Marigold in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Marigold.

Garden Alerts

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

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Sow lightly (or press seeds into the surface), keep evenly moist until germination, then transplant only after nights are reliably warm for best, nonstop flowering.