How to Grow Marigolds in a Flower Pot

Choose the appropriate size marigold for your container garden. Dwarf varieties create a mound of bright color 6 to 12 inches high and are suitable for a 12-inch plant pot. Taller varieties require a larger pot to offset their height. Typically, the height of the pot should be one third the height of the plant at maturity.

Fill the plant pot to within 1 inch of the rim with a mixture of equal parts peat moss, potting soil and perlite. This makes a lightweight potting media suitable for plant pots. Garden loam or potting soil is too dense and compacts easily with watering.

Plant two marigold seeds in the pot to a depth of 1/4 inch, spaced several inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil and firm it down lightly with your hands. This secures the seed and removes air pockets around the seed.

Water until water runs freely through the bottom of the pot to moisten the potting media. Cover the pot with clear plastic wrap to hold in moisture and heat.

Place the pot in an area that receives bright, indirect light until the seedlings emerge. Germination time depends on the soil temperature and cultivar, but marigolds typically germinate within a few days to a week.

Remove the plastic wrap from the pot once seedlings emerge. Gradually move the pot to direct sunlight. Although marigolds are sun-loving plants, young seedlings need to adjust to the sunlight.

Move the marigolds outside to a sunny location once the danger of frost has passed in your area. Water once or twice a week or whenever the soil dries 1 inch below the surface. The amount of water required depends on the growth rate of your marigolds, weather conditions and the size of the pot. During hot dry periods, your marigolds may need to be watered daily.