Do African Marigold Flowers Need Sunlight?

Seed Germination

• African marigold seeds don't require sunlight to germinate. Seeds are sown at a 1/4-inch depth in pots indoors, about six weeks before the last expected spring frost. You can place the pots in a dark area until germination occurs, which typically takes seven to 14 days if the soil is kept moist and temperatures are between 70 and 75 degrees. The marigolds need full sun once they germinate and the sprouts emerge. Placing them in a window that receives six or more hours of direct daily sun, and rotating the pots daily so all sides of the plant receive equal light, supplies sufficient sunlight.

Garden Plants

• Garden sites must receive six or more hours of full, direct sunlight for African marigolds to produce their best growth and flowers. Too little sun results in weak, leggy growth and minimal flower bud production. Some light afternoon shade won't diminish flowering in hot, sunny climates, though. These marigolds can tolerate the high heat sometimes present in a full sun bed at the height of summer, as long as you water often enough so the soil doesn't dry out too quickly. Generally, 1 to 2 inches of water supplied once or twice weekly, which is enough to moisten the top 6 inches of soil, keeps the soil moist enough for healthy growth in a sunny bed.

Spacing and Sun

• Proper spacing helps ensure that all leaves on the marigold have access to sufficient light. African marigolds can grow up to 3 feet tall. Spacing the plants about 18 inches apart in all directions allows sunlight to penetrate. Staking the tallest African marigold varieties also helps keep them upright, which allows better sunlight access. You can tie the central stems to a plant stake or set a small peony cage over the marigolds after planting. The stems grow through the grid in the cage, which camouflages it as it holds the stems upright.

Container Plants

• Container-grown African marigolds have the same full-sun requirements as bedding plants. The soil in a container does dry out more quickly especially in sunny areas. You must check soil moisture at least once a day and water when the top 1 inch of soil begins to dry. The soil may require twice daily watering during hot, sunny weather. If the container only receives sunlight to one side, rotate it daily. Otherwise, the marigolds will stretch toward the sun instead of growing upright.