Requirements for French Marigolds

Season

• French marigolds are annual flowers and live only in warm temperatures. Plant them in midspring after last frost for summertime growth and blooming. The plants fade and die at temperatures colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They grow year-round only in pots and in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11.

Site and Space

• French marigolds require full sun and good air movement for reliable growth and blooming. Plant them in sites with bright sun for six to eight hours every day, and give each plant 6 to 9 inches of space for breathing and sun exposure.

Soil

• French marigolds also require deep, crumbly, nutritious soil. The Clemson Cooperative Extension recommends working to soil to a depth of 6 to 10 inches for marigold planting. Turn 4 to 5 inches of organic matter, such as compost, leaf mold or fern matter, into the tilled soil for better nutrition and moisture retention.

Care

• French marigolds present low-maintenance growth in the garden and require little long-term care. Water each plant with 1 inch of water a week and deadhead faded flowers every one to two weeks. Regular deadheading cleans the plants and encourages new blooming.

French Marigold Cultivars

• French marigolds grow from 8 to 12 inches tall and bear extremely broad 2- to 3-inch flowers in yellow, orange, red, mahogany and white. Common cultivars include Bonanza, Bounty, Little Hero and Safari.