Can You Plant Marigolds Along Sidewalks As a Border?

Avoid Reflected Heat

• According to Ron Smith, horticulturist with the University of North Dakota extension service, the leaves of some marigolds dry up when they are exposed to too much heat. The heat that a sunny sidewalk generates is not too hot for a marigold border; however, marigolds planted between a sunny wall and a sidewalk may not be able to handle the reflected heat from vertical surfaces. If your sidewalk gets direct sun all day, plant your marigold border away from buildings and walls that reflect the heat.

Shade the Roots

• If you're afraid your sidewalk border is too hot for marigolds, consider a companion planting to help shade the marigolds' roots. Lobelia and marigolds are a popular combination because lobelias' profuse purple flowers contrast beautifully against the yellow and orange of marigold plants. Plant dwarf petunias with taller marigold varieties.

Marigold Border Variations

• Vary the design of your marigold border. Plant a single variety of marigolds in your sidewalk border to create a uniform mass of color. Alternate orange and yellow marigolds for a more formal look. If the border is wide enough, plant a row of dwarf marigolds along the sidewalk with a row of medium-height marigolds directly behind it.

Rotate Marigolds

• Smith recommends that gardeners not plant marigolds in the same bed or border year after year. Instead, rotate plantings in a three-year cycle. In the second and third year, plant another sun-loving annual, such as dwarf zinnias or strawflowers, along your sidewalks.