The answer to " Are marigolds perennials ? " depends on the type you ’re growing .
Are marigoldsperennials or annuals ? The solvent is both . While most hoi polloi mature them as annuals , a few character are perennial . Marigolds are in the genusTagetes , from the sunflower family , and are aboriginal to the Americas . With 49 species , there are sure to be some you have n’t tried yet , and breeders are coming up with newfangled multifariousness every class .
The usually plantedFrench marigoldsandAfrican marigoldsare annuals — they sprout , farm , flower , and die , all in the same class — but that does n’t mean they wo n’t come back . Marigolds frequently self - come , meaning their seed drops , overwinters , and germinates in the spring without any supporter from the gardener . Depending on your garden plans and how vigorously the marigolds reseed , that can be great or frustrating .
Credit: Jacob Fox
Annual Marigolds
The two most commonly embed types , French and African marigold , are yearly . They bloom from summer until Robert Lee Frost . In areas without cold wintertime , they grow old and drop dead . The smaller , delicately floweredsignet marigoldsare also yearbook .
Many annual marigold self - seed and do back the next year . If you want your marigold to self - cum , intercept deadheading thema monthbefore the frost appointment in your areaand let the flowers develop into seed heads . They will finally burst open and spend the seeds . you’re able to also collect the come and plant them yourself .
Some hybrid marigolds are sterile and wo n’t bring forth viable seed . If they do , the offspring likely wo n’t resemble the parent industrial plant . prefer open - pollinated varieties if you want marigold to self - seed .
Open - pollinated marigold are sometimes name with an OP on the package or an indication they are an heirloom variety . hybrid might be judge as hybrids or have an ( F1 ) on the package .
Perennial Marigolds
While most marigold are annual , a few are recurrent shrubs native to Mexico and the American Southwest . You may want to order these from an online vendor as they are not often find out at garden centers .
How to Plant Marigold Seeds
Marigold seeds can be buy by the packet — or the punt if you want a lot of marigold . While vulgar varieties are found at big box store , head online to find unparalleled cultivars .
Marigold seeds can be immediately sow in in the ground or started indoors and graft . They enjoyfull sunbut can stick out some fond shade , specially in the good afternoon in blistering mood .
Starting Marigold Seeds Indoors
Sowing Marigold Seeds in the Garden
Care Tips for Marigolds
marigold are not often gravel by insects and do n’t need much helper from gardeners . To keep them look their best , deadhead the flowers throughout the grow time of year and pinch the plants when vernal to force a shaggy-haired , separate habit . Mulch underneath themto keep the grass down .
Marigolds choose to dry out out a little between watering and , if set in the earth , are pretty drouth - broad once established . Marigolds grown in container need hebdomadary or more frequent watering .
Frequently Asked Questions
Signet marigolds are commonly used as edible garnish . They have a gamey savor and go well with many dishes . Use only the flower petal ; the green efflorescence al-Qaida has a bitter gustatory perception .
marigold are not harmful to dogs , although feeding marigolds might ensue in an upset stomach . There is no penury to panic if your dog nibble a marigold flower .
Fortunately , marigold are deer - resistant . The strong scent of marigold is thought to be repulsive to deer , and they generally avoid it . Some nurseryman have also had luck using marigold to repel cony .
