Marigolds are a classic flower known for their bright, cheery blooms that come in a variety of colors like yellow, orange, red and white. They are easy to grow, tolerate both heat and drought, and don’t require much maintenance However, sometimes marigolds end up growing much taller than expected, leaving gardeners wondering why their plants are towering over the rest of the garden
In this article, we’ll explore the various reasons why marigolds can become so leggy and tall, and provide tips on how to control their growth and keep them at an ideal size.
Factors That Contribute to Tall Marigolds
There are several factors that can cause marigolds to grow taller than their typical size of 6 to 18 inches
Genetics
Some marigold varieties are genetically predisposed to grow taller, with larger blooms and more robust foliage African marigolds, for example, can reach heights of 3 feet or more, while French marigolds typically grow to just 8-12 inches Always check the seed packet or plant tag to know the mature height of the variety you are growing.
Sun Exposure
Marigolds thrive in full sun. If your plants are not getting at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, they will start stretching and growing taller to reach more sunlight. Insufficient light leads to leggy, weak growth.
Soil Fertility
Rich, fertile soil with high nitrogen content encourages leafy vegetative growth and taller plants. Excess nitrogen overstimulates growth, causing rapid upward stretching.
Water Availability
Overwatering marigolds can promote fast, weak growth, causing plants to flop over or shoot upwards. Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings.
Plant Spacing
Marigolds grown too close together will compete for resources like sunlight, causing them to elongate and get leggy as they reach upwards for light.
Temperature
Cool weather and temperatures below 60°F can trigger increased height as marigolds attempt to capture more sunlight to stay warm. Hot temperatures usually keep them more compact.
Pruning
Lack of pruning allows marigolds to grow freely without inhibiting upward growth. Regular pinching back of leggy stems encourages bushiness.
How to Control Height
Now that we know what makes marigolds grow tall, here are some tips to keep them at a more compact size:
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Choose short, compact varieties suited for containers like French marigolds which grow to just 8-12 inches. Avoid large African varieties.
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Give marigolds at least 6 hours of direct sun daily and avoid heavily shaded areas.
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Plant in average garden soil. Avoid very rich or fertile soils.
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Water 1 inch per week. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
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Space plants 6-12 inches apart to prevent crowding and competition.
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Pinch or cut back leggy stems above a set of leaves to encourage bushy regrowth.
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Fertilize sparingly, and use a balanced fertilizer instead of high nitrogen options.
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Shelter plants from cool winds and provide warmth on cooler days if possible.
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Stake or cage tall plants to provide physical support and keep them upright.
When Tall Growth is Normal
It’s important to note that taller marigolds are not always a bad thing. Some gardeners actually prefer the larger blooms and dramatic shapes of tall marigolds as background plants. Others enjoy cutting the long stems for bouquets.
If you planted a variety meant to grow over 2 feet tall, the height is perfectly normal. Just be sure to provide sturdy staking to keep the plants upright. Tall marigolds can add striking vertical interest to the garden when properly supported.
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FAQ
How do you stop marigolds from growing tall?
Marigolds tend to grow tall if they are not pinched when they are young. If you want fuller bushier plants, cut the tops off when they are about 7 inches. This will send the growth chemicals out instead of up. You will get a fuller bush with more flowers.
How tall should marigolds be?
Plant height varies with the cultivar. Marigolds cover a full range of sizes from about 6 inches to 3 feet tall.Jan 19, 2021
Why does my marigold grow bare?
But sometimes the stems get too long and bare with the leaves growing near the tips. The resulting look is an unflattering, spindly appearance. This often happens when the marigold is growing in a poorly lit setting so it stretches its stems toward the light source.
How tall do marigolds get?
Marigolds vary in height depending on the species. French marigolds can be as short as 6 inches high, while African marigolds can grow to 36 inches tall. Under normal conditions, the ornamental will adhere to this maximum height. But sometimes the stems get too long and bare with the leaves growing near the tips.
Why are my marigolds leggy?
This often happens when the marigold is growing in a poorly lit setting so it stretches its stems toward the light source. Besides the unpleasant leggy shape, not enough light also leads to smaller and fewer flowers. One way to prevent marigolds from getting leggy is to ensure that they get plenty of light every day.
Why are my Marigold leaves curling?
Curly, distorted, or crinkled marigold leaves could be a sign of a virus infection or herbicide damage. If the leaf curl is accompanied by stunted growth, then the plant is infected with the ageratum enation virus (AEV).
Do marigolds need rich soil?
For robust marigold growth, focusing on soil conditions, watering patterns, and nutrition is paramount. Each aspect is tailored to foster vibrant blooms and hardy stems. Marigolds flourish in well-drained soil with a neutral pH, close to 6.0 to 7.0. They don’t require rich soil; in fact, they do better in moderate conditions.
Why does my Marigold look swollen?
The resulting look is an unflattering, spindly appearance. This often happens when the marigold is growing in a poorly lit setting so it stretches its stems toward the light source. Besides the unpleasant leggy shape, not enough light also leads to smaller and fewer flowers.