Marigolds are one of the most popular annual flowers, easily grown from seed or transplant, and when given the right conditions will overflow with bright blossoms that fill a garden or container with cheerful color.
Tagetes (marigolds) vary in size from low edging plants to tall cut flowers, with blooms that range in mostly solid colors of orange, golden yellow, and white, sometimes with decorative darker highlights along petals edge.
Equally suited for containers, as they are in the garden, the blossoms and foliage emit a clean, crisp scent and are an excellent companion plant to repel insects and nematodes in the soil.
Marigolds are a popular annual flower that can bring vibrant color to gardens and planters. Their bright orange, yellow, and red blooms last all summer long. Many gardeners sow marigold seeds in spring. But is it too late to plant marigolds in August?
The short answer is yes, you can certainly plant marigolds in August. With the right care, late-planted marigolds can thrive and produce flowers before the first fall frost.
In this article we’ll explain everything you need to know about planting marigolds in late summer. We’ll cover
- The best marigold varieties to plant in August
- Preparing the planting site
- Purchasing marigold plants or starting from seed
- Caring for late-season marigolds
- Getting marigolds to bloom before frost
- Using marigolds as companion plants
When to Plant Marigolds Outdoors
Marigolds are classified as either hardy or half-hardy annuals. Hardy annuals like pot marigolds (Calendula officinalis) can withstand cooler temperatures. Half-hardy annuals like French or African marigolds (Tagetes spp.) prefer warm conditions.
In most climates, French and African marigolds should be planted outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. This is generally late May or early June. If planting marigolds in August, choose fast-blooming varieties to ensure flowers before frost.
Pot marigolds are more cold tolerant. They can be planted outdoors as early as March or April and as late as September. But earlier plantings yield better flowers.
Best Marigold Varieties for August Planting
Look for fast-growing marigold varieties that bloom quickly if planting in late summer Here are some top picks
French Marigolds
- Petite Marietta: a dwarf French marigold that blooms just 1 month from seed. Produces double creamy white blooms. Grows just 6-10 inches tall.
- Sparky: compact French marigold that blooms heavily within 35 days. Great for edging borders. Grows 12 inches tall.
- Durango: features large 2-3 inch golden orange blooms. Begins blooming in just 35 days. Grows 14-16 inches tall.
African Marigolds
- First Lady: early blooming with big yellow and orange double blooms. Begins flowering in about 45 days. Grows 10-12 inches tall.
- Inca II: blooms vigorously in just 42 days from seeding. Bright yellow flowers on compact 10 inch plants.
- Safari: extremely fast growing and early to bloom. Flowers in just 35 days from seed. Grows 14-16 inches tall.
Pot Marigolds (Calendula)
- Pacific Beauty: early flowering with large double orange blooms. Blooms in 45-55 days from seed. Grows 15-18 inches tall.
- Princess: compact at 12-15 inches tall. Abundant double orange flowers.
Preparing the Planting Site
Before planting marigolds in August, prepare the planting site:
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Choose a location with full sun. Marigolds need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Prepare soil by mixing in 1-2 inches of compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient levels.
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The ideal soil pH for marigolds is between 55-70, Test soil and adjust pH if needed,
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Remove any weeds from the planting site. Marigolds don’t compete well with weeds.
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Create raised planting beds for better drainage if planting in heavy clay soils.
Purchasing Marigold Plants
For fastest growth, purchase marigold plants from a garden nursery instead of starting from seed. Look for stocky young plants with healthy foliage. Avoid plants that are rootbound, yellowing, or appear stunted.
Carefully remove plants from containers, loosen tangled roots, and plant at the same level they were growing in the pot. Water thoroughly after planting.
Space French and African marigolds 8-12 inches apart. Allow 10-15 inches between pot marigolds.
Starting Marigolds from Seed in August
It’s also possible to start marigolds from seed in August. Follow these tips:
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Purchase fast-blooming seed varieties suited for late planting.
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Start seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before transplanting. Sow seeds in cell packs or containers.
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Thin seedlings to the strongest plant per cell. Harden off plants for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors.
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Transplant seedlings to the garden after hardening off, spacing appropriately for each variety.
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Water transplants daily until established. Protect from hot sun the first few days.
Caring for Marigolds in Late Summer
Give marigolds attentive care to keep them blooming into fall:
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Water marigolds regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Soak the soil thoroughly then allow to dry slightly between waterings.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Fertilize more frequently for pot marigolds.
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Pinch off spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
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Watch for powdery mildew, a common disease in late season. Apply neem oil or fungicides to prevent spread.
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Protect plants from strong winds, which can damage branches. Stake tall varieties if needed.
Getting Marigolds to Bloom Before Frost
Timing is important when planting marigolds in August. Follow these tips to get flowers before the first fall frost:
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Know your average first frost date. Plant marigolds so they have 55-65 days to reach maturity and bloom.
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Choose quick blooming varieties that flower in 35-50 days from seeding or transplanting.
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Start seeds or buy transplants for early August plantings. Make successive plantings every 2-3 weeks for a longer harvest.
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Boost growth by preparing soil with compost and fertilizing every 2-3 weeks.
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Protect plants with cloches, fabric covers, or floating row covers if frost threatens untimely.
Using Marigolds as Companion Plants
Marigolds make excellent companion plants in the late summer vegetable garden. The strong scent deters certain pests like nematodes, aphids, and other insects.
Some great vegetable pairings include:
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Planting marigolds around tomatoes helps deter aphids and tomato hornworms.
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Interplanting with marigolds helps protect beans, peppers, and eggplants from harmful nematodes.
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Scatter marigolds throughout cabbage and broccoli to reduce damage from cabbage moths.
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Underplanting marigolds with squash can help repel cucumber beetles.
When & Where to Plant Marigolds
Light: Full sun, to partial shade.
Soil: Marigolds prefer fertile soil, preferably loose and loamy with adequate drainage, yet can also tolerate dry conditions.
Spacing: Sow seeds directly in the garden 1-inch apart, or in seed trays to transplant with root system is established. For shorter varieties, plant 8 inches apart, or 10-12 inches apart for the larger African types. Be sure leave enough room for plants to grow with enough air circulation.
Planting: Start seeds indoors, 4- 6 weeks before frost-free date. Place in a sunny window, and then transplant seedlings into the garden when danger of frost is past. Sow directly in the garden after danger of frost. Can be planted throughout the summer for a succession of blooms.
How to Grow Marigolds Throughout the Season
Growth Habit: Marigolds are compact growing, and will not sprawl, as many other annuals are prone to do. Keep spent blossoms and stems are pruned to encourage bushier growth.
Staking: Shorter varieties require no staking. Taller, cut flower types may benefit from staking to avoid falling over in strong wind.
Watering: Marigolds prefer the soil to dry out in between watering; yet can also be finicky if their leaves are wet. Plan to water at the base of the plant, and keep soil moist, yet not overly wet.
Fertilizing: Plant in nutrient rich soil, and fertilize, as needed. Too much fertilizer will stimulate lush foliage, at the expense of flowers.
Trimming & Pruning: Marigolds do not require as much deadheading as other annuals, although removing dead blossoms and stems will encourage new growth, and improve overall appearance.
Mulching: Mulch can be added around young plants to keep away weeds, and to provide moisture to the roots.
Why YOU Should Plant Marigolds. EVERYWHERE.
FAQ
Can you grow marigolds in August?
Being a hardy annual, pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) can be sown direct into the soil outside in March, April, or May for summer flowers the same year. Alternatively, they can be sown direct into the soil outside in August or September for flowers the following year.
Is it too late to plant flowers in August?
It makes sense that peak growing season is in the spring and early summer months to avoid scalding heat waves and get ready for harvest before the first frost. But for fast-growing crops and flowers, there’s still plenty of time to ensure a plentiful bounty. The end of the summer isn’t too late to sow your seeds.
Can marigolds be planted in the fall?
One of the big advantages to fall-planted marigolds is the reduced threat of spidermites. The reproductive rate of these joy-stealing sapsuckers diminishes as cooler weather arrives.
Can I plant marigold seeds in September?
Planting marigolds in late summer or early fall can be very successful in regions with mild winters and warm fall weather (zones 8-11). The warm soil and cooler temperatures are ideal for marigold growth, and they can continue to bloom well into the fall and sometimes even early winter.
When should you plant marigolds?
I typically observe that these flowers thrive best when they are not at risk of cold weather damage. Timing is everything with marigolds. Ideally, I plant them outdoors after the last frost when the soil has warmed. This usually falls around late spring to early summer, depending on the climate where I live.
Can you grow marigolds outside?
Pot marigolds (Calendula) can be bought as bedding plants from plant nurseries or as seedlings via mail order in May or June. Plant in well-drained soil or containers in sun. ‘Tagetes seeds can be sown outdoors after danger of frost has passed in your region,’ says Kelly Funk, President of Park Seed.
Are marigolds easy to grow?
From their brass to copper and gold blooms, marigolds are well-loved for their ability to flower throughout the summer months. As such, beginner home gardeners opt to grow this cheerful and easy-to-grow plant. Add a touch of color to your autumn or summer garden by learning when to plant marigolds. When to plant marigolds?
Are marigolds good for fall?
But there’s still plenty of color to be had in autumn gardens with the right plants. One of the best fall-blooming flowers is the cheery marigold. With their bright golden orange and red flowers, marigolds can light up beds, borders, and containers well into fall. Why Are Marigolds Ideal for Fall?
Are marigolds blooming in fall?
Follow these tips, and your marigolds will be covered in bright flowers right through fall! Marigolds offer more than just vibrant floral color in autumn gardens. Here are some of their many uses: Cut flowers. Fill fall floral arrangements with marigolds for their long vase life. The red and orange shades are perfect for fall.
Where to plant marigolds?
However, flowers will develop more striking colors if they are planted in full sun. When considering where to plant your marigolds, be aware that these plants need to grow in soil that drains well. If you’re dealing with heavy clay, mix in some compost to help with drainage. Alternatively, sow your seeds in raised beds.