How to Transplant African Marigolds

African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are the largest of the different marigold types. The plants range in height from 1 to 4 feet tall and produce 3-½-inch flowers. They come in shades of yellow or orange and flower profusely in summer. The shorter varieties flower earlier than the tall types, but all African marigolds flower for a long period once they begin blooming. These plants require more space than other marigolds, so transplanting nursery plants into the garden bed is important.

Compost, peat or loam
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Spread 2 to 3 inches of compost, peat or rich loam over a full-sun, well-draining garden bed. Till the organic matter into the soil, so it provides improved drainage and soil quality.
- 2
  Dig the planting holes 1 inch deeper than the marigolds' pots' depth. Space the holes 12 inches apart for short African marigolds and 18 inches apart for tall varieties.
- 3
  Turn the pot upside down and gently knock the marigold from the pot. Support the soil with your hand as the plant slides out of the pot.
- 4
  Set the plant in the prepared planting hole. The marigold should sit ½ to 1 inch deeper in the garden bed than it was growing at in the pot.
- 5
  Fill the hole in with soil around the marigold roots. Watering the bed thoroughly after planting helps settle the soil around the plants.

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