When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Getting a marigold to flower usually isn’t a difficult task, as the hardy annuals usually bloom nonstop from early summer until they are nipped by frost in autumn. If your marigolds will not bloom, the fix is usually fairly simple. Read on for a few helpful suggestions.
Marigolds are beloved annual flowers that are easy to grow and bloom all summer long with sunny yellow or orange flowers. However sometimes marigolds fail to produce the prolific blooms we expect from them. If you’ve noticed your marigolds aren’t blooming don’t give up on them yet! In most cases, a few simple fixes can get those flowers popping again in no time.
Here are the 7 most common reasons marigolds don’t bloom and what you can do to resolve the issues:
1. Not Enough Sunlight
Marigolds are sun worshippers that need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom well. They thrive with morning sunlight in particular If your marigold bed or containers are in partial shade, the lack of sufficient sunlight could prevent flowering
Solution: Move your marigolds to the sunniest spot in your yard where they’ll get sun from morning to early afternoon. Planting them on the east side of your home or garden is ideal.
2. Overwatering
Too much moisture is detrimental to marigolds. Excess watering leads to root rot and other fungal diseases that will inhibit blooming. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
Solution Water marigolds only when the top inch of soil is dry Make sure the soil drains well and isn’t compacted Space plants adequately to allow air circulation.
3.Failure to Deadhead
Like many flowers, marigolds need deadheading to keep blooming. As spent blossoms linger on the plant, the marigold is signaled to stop producing new buds.
Solution: Use snips to promptly remove any faded or dried out flowers. This will encourage your marigold to continue forming fresh blooms.
4. Nutrient Deficiencies
While marigolds aren’t too fussy about soil, a lack of essential nutrients can affect their ability to bloom. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are vital for prolific flowering.
Solution: Perform a soil test to identify any deficiencies. Amend the soil with a balanced fertilizer or compost to provide nutrition. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause issues.
5. Compacted Soil
Marigolds need loose, friable soil with good drainage and aeration. Compacted, dense soil prevents proper root development and function.
Solution: Loosen compacted soil with a garden fork. Consider amending with compost or other organic material to improve texture. Add sand to heavy clay soils.
6. Diseases or Pests
Unhealthy marigold plants struggle to produce blooms. Fungal diseases, viruses, and sucking insect pests can weaken the plant and inhibit flowering.
Solution: Identify and address any disease or pest issues promptly. Improve air circulation between plants. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays to control harmful insects.
7. Adverse Weather
Temperature extremes and unusual wet periods can create stress and limit flowering. Marigolds may shut down blooming in very hot, very cold, or overly wet weather.
Solution: There’s not much you can do about the weather, unfortunately! Just wait for conditions to improve and your marigolds should begin blooming again.
The most frequent issues stopping marigold bloom are insufficient sunlight, overwatering, failure to deadhead spent flowers, and soil problems like compaction. Pay close attention to proper site selection, watering, deadheading, and soil preparation for your marigolds. Address any disease or pest problems right away. With good growing conditions, your marigolds will reward you with mountains of cheerful blossoms.
A few simple troubleshooting tips should get lackluster marigolds flowering again. Check sunlight, moisture, deadheading, and soil conditions first. Relocate plants or amend soil as needed to provide what marigolds require. Disinfect tools and remove diseased plants to prevent spreading issues. If poor weather is the culprit, just wait it out! With the right adjustments, you can get your marigolds back on track and flowering brightly once more.
Help, My Marigolds are Not Blooming!
Marigold plants not flowering? In order to get more blooms on your marigolds, it helps to understand the most common reasons for no flowers on marigolds. Fertilizer – If your soil is moderately rich, no fertilizer is needed. If your soil is poor, limit fertilizer to an occasional light feeding. Marigolds in excessively rich (or overfertilized) soil may be lush and green but may produce few blooms. This is one of the primary reasons for marigold plants not flowering. Sunshine – Marigolds are sun-loving plants. In shade, they may produce foliage, but few blooms will appear. Lack of adequate sunlight is a very common reason for no flowers on marigolds. If this is the problem, move the plants to a location where they are exposed to full sunlight all day. Soil – Marigolds aren’t fussy about the type of soil, but good drainage is an absolute must. Often, marigolds will not bloom in soggy soil, and may develop a fatal disease known as root rot. Water – Keep marigolds moist the first few days after planting. Once they are established, water them deeply once per week. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and other moisture-related diseases. Marigold maintenance – Deadhead marigold plants regularly to trigger continued blooming until fall. Marigolds will not bloom but, instead, will go to seed early if they “think” their job is done for the season. Pests – Most pests aren’t attracted to marigolds, but spider mites may be a problem, especially in dry, dusty conditions. Additionally, a stressed or unhealthy marigold plant may be bothered by aphids. Proper care and regular application of insecticidal soap spray should take care of both pests.
6 Reasons – Why Your Marigold Flower Plants are Not Blooming?
FAQ
How do I get my marigolds to flower?
#1) Water Consistently – How To Keep Marigolds Flowering
They handle full sun and heat well. And, they also happen to be one of the most drought tolerant of all summer flowering annuals. But to really get them to bloom big and keep them blooming, they need a consistent source of water.
What do overwatered marigolds look like?
Overwatering signs include droopy, yellow leaves and a soil aroma that’s less fresh earth, more swamp. If your marigold’s pot feels like it’s been hitting the gym, it’s probably waterlogged.