French Marigold
Tagetes patula
French marigold is a compact, bushy annual that grows 6 to 12 inches tall in full sun or partial shade and is easy to start from seed.
Quick facts
- Germination time
- 4–7 days
- Germination temperature
- 24–27 °C75–81 °F
- Sowing depth
- 6 mm¼ in
- Spacing between plants
- Not yet verified
- Days to maturity
- Not yet verified
- Sun
- Full sun, partial shade
Safety for cats and dogs: not yet verified.
By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated
Spotted a mistake or missing detail? Improve this page
01 · Overview
About french marigold
French marigold is a compact, bushy annual native to Mexico and Guatemala. It grows about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) tall and 6 to 18 inches (15 to 46 cm) wide.
Its flowers come in reds, oranges and yellows, and both the flowers and leaves are fragrant. Marigolds are valued for their vibrant flowers and low maintenance.
Growing details
- Start indoors
- Not yet verified
- Sow outdoors
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Moderate
- Containers
- Yes
- Height
- 15–30 cm6–12 in
- Spread
- 15–46 cm6–18 in
- Frost tolerance
- Tender (no frost)
- Soil pH
- pH 6.0–7.0
- Life cycle
- Annual
02 · How to grow
How to grow french marigold from seed
Sowing. Starting seeds in a seedling tray is the recommended method, with a light covering of seed and transplanting outdoors after danger of frost. Seed trays should be sown 4 to 6 weeks before planting out. For direct sowing, sow about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep. Direct seeding into garden soil can be done once soil temperatures are above 65 °F (18 °C).
Germination. Seeds usually sprout in 4 to 7 days when kept at 75 to 80 °F (24 to 27 °C).
Light and soil. Give French marigold full sun or partial shade in average, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. A soil pH of 6 to 7 suits it.
03 · Care
Caring for french marigold
Watering. Keep the soil evenly moist without letting it become waterlogged. Once established, French marigold tolerates drought.
Pinching and deadheading. Pinch off the tips to encourage a bushier plant. Deadhead old flowers to encourage new blooms, and the plant can bloom from spring into fall if kept deadheaded.
Containers. French marigolds are good for beds, containers and edging in borders.
At a glance
How french marigold compares with other flowers
Worked out from the growing facts of the 79 seeds in Flowers on SeedBattle.
- French Marigold
- Each of the other flowers
- Their average
- Germination timeSprouts sooner than average
4–7 days
Average for flowers: 12 days, from 42 other seeds
- Germination temperatureWarmer than average
24–27 °C75–81 °F
Average for flowers: 21 °C70 °F, from 40 other seeds
- Sowing depthDeeper than average
6 mm¼ in
Average for flowers: 4 mm⅛ in, from 25 other seeds
- HeightShorter than average
15–30 cm6–12 in
Average for flowers: 71 cm2½ ft, from 68 other seeds
04 · Problems
Common french marigold problems
French marigold can be susceptible to powdery mildew, botrytis, leaf spot and rots. Spider mites and thrips may also be a problem.
Other insects, including aphids and Japanese beetles, may attack the flowers and leaves. They may make the plant look untidy for a while but rarely destroy it.
05 · Safety
French Marigold safety
The sap can cause skin redness, burning pain and blisters on broken skin that is exposed to sunlight, so handle cut stems and leaves with care. The scent of the flowers can irritate the nose and eyes.
French Marigold questions
How long do French marigold seeds take to germinate?
Seeds usually sprout in 4 to 7 days when kept at 75 to 80 °F (24 to 27 °C).
Can I grow French marigolds in pots?
Yes, French marigolds are good for containers as well as beds and borders.
How tall do French marigolds grow?
French marigolds grow about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) tall.
Do French marigolds need deadheading?
Deadheading old blooms encourages new ones, and the plant can bloom from spring into fall if kept deadheaded.
Quick answers
More french marigold questions
Short answers taken from the growing facts on this page.
How deep should I sow french marigold seeds?
Sow them 6 mm¼ in deep.
How much sun does french marigold need?
French marigold grows in full sun or partial shade.
What temperature do french marigold seeds need to sprout?
French marigold seeds germinate at 24–27 °C75–81 °F.
Can french marigold survive frost?
No. French marigold is tender, so it can't take frost.
Is french marigold an annual or a perennial?
French marigold is an annual.
What soil pH does french marigold need?
Aim for soil at pH 6.0–7.0.
Side by side
Compare french marigold with…
Two seeds, every growing fact lined up, so you can pick the one that suits your space.
Flowers
More seeds like french marigold
Related seeds, plus others in the Flowers category.
Find your next seed to grow
Browse all 223 seeds by sun, difficulty or pot size, or line french marigold up against another seed.
