French Marigold
Tips to Successfully Grow French Marigold
Of all varieties of Marigolds, the French Marigold is the one that most people recognize. Although this is an annual, meaning the plant will die each year and a new one replanted, the gorgeous, rich colors are worth the time and effort involved. The nice thing about planting a French Marigold is that this plant has a long bloom time so the flowers can be enjoyed much longer than most annuals.
The French Marigold is compact yet bushy so it works great as a standalone flower or one that could easily be grouped with other Marigolds or different flowers. The flowers are small and uniform but because of the way they grow, they can appear much larger than actual size. In fact, it is common for a French Marigold flower to feature multiple colors on a single head.
At maturity, the French Marigold reaches about 12 inches tall, making it an ideal size for flowerbeds, gardens, deck borders, containers, etc. To make sure this type of Marigold grows strong and healthy plants need full sun. For soil, the Marigold needs to be well-drained but also moist. One of the benefits of growing French Marigold is that this plant can also handle drier soil so people living in hotter climates can enjoy this plant with no problem.
When planting French Marigold outside, it is important to wait until all risk of frost has passed. On the other hand, when this Marigold is planted in a container for indoor use, it could be planted any time of the year. Now, when putting the French Marigold outdoors, it is important that plants have approximately 10 inches of space in between each plant since they spread out.
Additionally, once the French Marigold begins to bloom, deadheading the flowers promotes new blooms, which is what keeps the plant looking gorgeous for so long. To deadhead, any damaged, dead, or dying flowers need to be pinched off. Within a short time, new blooms will begin to appear on the same stem. Keep in mind that the deadheaded flowers should always be discarded in the trash. That way, if the Marigold has any disease or problem with insects, there would be no cross-contamination.
To propagate the French Marigold, the seeds this plant produces can be used. For this, the seeds should be started in a container for about six weeks before they are moved outdoors, again after any risk of frost has passed. During the germination period, which is approximately seven days, the temperature should be around 70 degrees. Shortly, the plant will grow and before long, be ready to be planted outside or transferred to a larger container for indoor enjoyment.
Another benefit of the French Marigold is that when planted around the perimeter of a vegetable garden, they serve as a natural insect and pest repellant. Rabbits in particular do not like the smell of Marigolds so this plant is extremely beneficial. Without doubt, the French Marigold is one of the most popular of all Marigold species and for good reason.