How to Arrange and Plant Marigolds

Preparing the Planting Bed

• 1

  Choose a full-sun planting location for the marigolds.

• 2

  Turn over the soil to a depth of about 10 to 12 inches, using a shovel or a garden fork.

• 3

  Remove all garden litter as you turn the soil over, such as weeds, rocks, sticks or clods.

• 4

  Measure out 1 cup of 12-12-12 granular fertilizer to every 50 square feet you plant. Distribute the fertilizer in an even layer over the topsoil. Turn over the soil one last time to incorporate the fertilizer into the soil.

• 5

  Even out the soil using a metal rake until it's smooth and free of impediments. Let the planting area remain undisturbed for about two to three weeks before planting the marigolds. Waiting before planting allows the fertilizer time to assimilate itself into the soil.

Planting Marigolds

• 6

  Dig out planting holes for the marigolds. For growing tall varieties, such as Jubilee and Galore, measure the distance to each hole between 24 and 36 inches apart. For planting smaller dwarf types, such as Hero and Queen varieties, measure out the distance to about 14 to 16 inches apart.

• 7

  Remove the marigolds from their growing containers. If planting from planting packs, place your thumb at the base of a cell. Push the seedlings upward to remove it gently from the cell. If planting from 4-inch pots, tip the pot on its side. Tap along the top of the pot using a piece of wood or a small mallet to slide the pot free.

• 8

  Plant a marigold into the planting hole. To arrange marigolds for the best presentation of flowering, plant the dwarf types toward the front of the planting bed and taller varieties in the back.

• 9

  Scoop soil around each marigold, filling the holes with soil.

• 10

  Measure out 2 to 3 tsp. of 5-5-10 transplant solution plus fertilizer to 2 gallons of water.

• 11

  Water each marigold with about 1 qt. of the solution. Provide newly planted marigolds with water approximately three to four times a week for the first three to four weeks after planting.