Marigolds like ample, direct sunlight, soak and dry watering, and well-draining soil. Whether growing potted marigolds, planting them in the vegetable garden, or in the landscape, the above applies.
When planting these hardy, cheery blooms in pots or containers, you can use pots as small as 6” inches across for Dwarf French Marigolds.
For larger varieties, such as full-sized French types or African Marigolds, choose a container that is a minimum of ten inches across.
This article discusses the planting and care of marigolds in pots and containers. Read on to learn more.
How Do You Take Care Of Potted Marigolds?
Marigolds are a great choice for any sunny setting. They are heat and light tolerant and can do very well in just average or poor soil.
Planted correctly in a pot or container with ideal cultural elements, they easily outshine other annual choices.
Here are the tips to remember in taking care of potted marigolds:
1. Choose A Sunny Spot For Potted Marigolds
Marigolds need a minimum of 6 hours of bright sunlight daily. Be advised that extreme, harsh sun may cause the plants to dehydrate.
Check the soil frequently and water thoroughly when it is dry. If your plants appear to suffer from the sun, naturally, you should move them to a location that gets a bit less sun or provide some protection against the sun during the hottest part of the day.
2. Use Soak and Dry Watering
Marigolds do well when treated like wildflowers. Allow the top couple of inches of soil to dry, then water deeply and thoroughly at ground level.
Don’t keep the soil moist, as this will tend to encourage root rot.
Avoid overhead watering. Marigolds need space around them in the landscape or in a container to allow for good air circulation. This helps prevent the development of fungal infections on the leaves.
3. Fertilize Very Sparingly or Not At All
Marigolds are annual plants. If you pot them up in good quality, well-draining commercial potting soil in the spring, they probably won’t need feeding throughout the spring and summer.
Toss them on the compost heap at the end of the growing season. They will not live through the winter.
If you want to provide some fertilizer, or if your potting soil is not very good quality, provide feeding of a good time release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season.
Another option is to provide a very weak feeding of a good water-soluble fertilizer monthly throughout the growing season.
Be advised that excessive fertilizer will hamper bloom production.
4. Maintain Good Air Flow
Don’t put too many plants in one pot. If you are planting a grouping, leave enough space between plants to allow for a bit of growth and still maintain good air circulation.
Prune dead or dying foliage and blooms. Trim for shape and airflow as needed. Pinch back the tips of branches to encourage your plants to grow fuller and bushier.
What Kinds Of Marigolds Do Well In Pots And Containers?
All marigolds will do well in the right container with the right care. Just be sure to match the container with the plant’s ultimate size.
For example, African Marigolds may attain a height of 3′ or 4′ feet, so you’d want to put them in a large planter rather than a pot.
Signet Marigolds and Standard and Dwarf French Marigolds grow to be between 6″ and 18″ inches high, so you have quite a bit of flexibility in choosing pots and containers.
Small, individual plants can do well in standard-sized terra cotta pots. Groupings of slightly larger plants make window boxes or porch and deck rail boxes a good choice.
