How to Care for French Marigolds in Containers

French marigolds are often bicolored.

French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are actually native to Mexico, like all species of marigolds. They have been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. French marigolds are smaller and rounder than African marigolds. French marigold flowers are only about 2 inches across and come in yellow, orange, red and rust. Marigolds are annual flowers, so they only grow for one season from early summer to fall before dying.

Things You'll Need

• Annual flower fertilizer
• Watering can

Instructions

1. Place the container with the French marigolds in an area with full sun at least six to eight hours a day. This keeps the marigolds blooming all season

2. Water the marigolds whenever the container’s soil dries out to about 1 inch deep. Add enough water to the soil that it runs out of the container’s bottom.

3. Fertilizer potted French marigolds once every two weeks with an annual flower fertilizer. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the water-soluble fertilizer into the watering can and fill the can with water. Pour the water over the marigolds until water drains out of the container’s bottom.

4. Pinching off the dead flowerheads when they occur keeps the plant blooming all season.

References

• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Marigold; Karen Russ, et al.; March 1999
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Tagetes Patula French Marigold; Edward F. Gilman; October 1999
• Iowa State University; Marigolds; Richard Jauron; March 1996