How Much Sunlight Do Marigolds Need?

Bright and cheerful, few annuals are as easy to grow as marigolds (Tagetes spp.). Cultivated in Mexico for more than 2,000 years, these sturdy plants thrive in heat and full sun. Cultivars range from 6-inch edging plants to bushy, 4-foot plants that produce excellent cut flowers. Flower color includes orange, cream, yellow, red and bi-colors, and the blooms can be single or double. The fern-like foliage on most marigolds has a pronounced scent. All types of marigolds grow best in full sun.

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Instructions

- 1
  Choose a full-sun planting site, with a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. For marigolds, the more sun, the better. Planting beds on the south or west side of buildings usually receive more direct sunlight than those on the east or north side. The soil should be loose, rich and well-drained.
- 2
  
  Marigolds look best when planted in masses.
  
  Plant marigolds in groups of at least three to five, so they're less likely to be shaded by taller neighbors. If necessary, stake the surrounding plants, so they remain upright and don't interfere with the amount of sunlight available to the marigolds.
- 3
  Plant marigold seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, and cover the seeds with no more than 1/4 inch of soil. Germination takes about one week at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, or a little longer in cooler weather. Most varieties of marigold bloom in 45 to 50 days after germination, if given full sun, but flowering will be delayed, sporadic and sparse if the marigolds are planted in shady spots.
- 4
  Start seedlings indoors, six to eight weeks before your last expected frost date, to get an early start on outdoor flowering -- as an alternative to planting seeds outdoors, as in Step 3. As soon as the seeds germinate, move the plants to a sunny window or place them under grow lights. Set out marigold seedlings after all danger of frost has passed. If a late cold snap is predicted, cover your marigolds for the night with a tarp or sheet for protection.
- 5
  Water newly planted marigolds often enough during the first two weeks to keep the soil moist but not soggy. After that, they need 1 inch of water a week, either from the heavens or the garden hose. Marigolds planted in containers or grown in all-day sun in very hot climates, such as Florida or Texas, may need additional watering.

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