Marigolds are a compact powerhouse of a flower. The brilliant oranges and yellows of African marigolds, which can reach an upright growth of 30-40 inches, and the orange, yellow, mahogany and crimsons of French marigolds, which attain a height of 8-16 inches, are the perfect solution to a garden that might have become mired in monochromatic colors. Easy to grow, with a wonderfully long-lasting growth season, they can be seeded directly into your garden early in the season. We do recommend, however, that you plant them in containers indoors which will make proper spacing easier, and thinning of seedlings unnecessary once they’re ready to move outdoors.
Consider planting marigolds in your vegetable garden, as their pungent odor repels aphids. Mass plantings will most effectively introduce color into your garden, and don’t forget to add marigolds to your container plantings! Keep the soil moist, mulch around the plants to retain the moisture, and enjoy the dazzling display throughout summer, autumn, and even into winter in the warmer zones.