If there were a prize for the easiest, sunniest, most hard-working flower in the garden, marigolds would be strong contenders. They’re cheerful, low-maintenance, drought tolerant and offer something for everyone: bold blooms, great pest control, and even edible petals for the more adventurous gardener.
Marigolds are a fantastic choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike, and growing them from seed is as easy as pie (a great choice for children to grow!). Whether you’re filling containers, edging a veggie patch, or trying to outsmart aphids naturally, marigolds have your back.
First Things First: Know Your Marigolds
Not all marigolds are created equal! Here's a quick guide to the three most common types you’ll find:
French Marigolds (Tagetes patula)
These are the compact charmers—perfect for edging garden beds or growing in pots. They usually top out at 6–12" (15–30 cm) tall and come in a mix of orange, red, and yellow hues. French marigolds are your best bet for insect repelling, especially against aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. They're the queens of companion planting!
African Marigolds (Tagetes erecta)
Don’t let the name fool you—these bold beauties hail from Mexico. African marigolds are tall (up to 36" or 90 cm), upright plants with large, fluffy blooms that make a real statement in the garden. Great for borders and bouquets, and still decent at keeping pests in check, though not quite as potent as their French cousins.
Signet Marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia)
A little more delicate in appearance, Signet marigolds have lacy foliage and small, daisy-like blooms in shades of gold and tangerine, averaging in height from 10 – 18 inches.. They're edible, with a citrusy flavour that’s lovely sprinkled on salads. They’re not the most aggressive pest deterrents, but they’ll still contribute to overall garden health—and they’re adorable.
How to Grow Marigolds from Seed in Canada
Starting marigolds from seed is simple, even if your growing season is on the shorter side. Here’s how to get growing:
Start Indoors (6–8 Weeks Before Last Frost)
- Sow seeds in trays or small pots using a light seed-starting mix.
- Lightly cover with ¼" (6 mm) of soil—they don’t need total darkness to germinate.
- Keep warm (18–21°C / 65–70°F) and moist until sprouted (usually within 5–10 days).
- Move to a sunny windowsill or under grow lights (preferred) once they germinate.
Harden Off & Transplant After Frost
- Once all danger of frost has passed (usually mid-May to early June, depending on your region), gradually introduce your marigolds to the outdoors over 5–7 days.
- Plant them in full sun and well-drained soil. These gals love the heat and don’t need coddling.
- Space French marigolds about 6–10" (15–25 cm) apart; African marigolds need 10–18" (25–45 cm).
Direct Sowing:
If you're direct seeding marigolds outdoors in Canada, you should wait until after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up—typically:
- Late May to early June, depending on your region.
Marigold seeds need warm soil (at least 18°C / 65°F) to germinate well. Planting too early can result in poor germination or stressed seedlings.
It can take up to 60 days for marigolds to fully mature, so if you are looking for earlier blooms, try starting indoors instead.
Care Tips
- Pinch marigolds when the seedlings are about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) tall or have developed at least two sets of true leaves (not the baby seed leaves).
- Water regularly until established, then let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
- Deadhead spent blooms to keep the flowers coming.
- They don’t need much fertilizer—too much nitrogen will mean more leaves, fewer flowers.
Marigolds & Companion Planting: A Natural Pest Patrol
If you’re growing veggies, marigolds should be part of your garden team. French marigolds, in particular, are famous for deterring:
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Cabbage loopers
- Tomato hornworms
- Nematodes (especially root-knot types)
They pair well with tomatoes, peppers, beans, broccoli, and even roses. Just don’t plant them right next to legumes like beans or peas in high quantities—there's some evidence that the relationship isn’t as friendly there.
Bonus: marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies. That’s right—garden bouncers and pollinator party hosts, all in one!
How To Collect Marigold Seeds
Collecting marigold seeds is easy and satisfying—perfect for gardeners who love saving a little sunshine for next year. Once the blooms fade and dry on the plant, you’ll notice the flower heads turning brown and crispy. That’s your cue! Simply snip off the dried flower heads and gently pull them apart. Inside, you’ll find slender, black-and-white seeds that look a bit like tiny paintbrushes.
Let them dry fully in a cool, airy spot for a few days, then store them in a labelled envelope or paper bag in a dry, dark place over winter. Just be sure to harvest only from healthy plants if you want consistent results next season.
When saving marigold seeds, just keep in mind that:
· Any hybrid type marigolds will produce seeds that are not likely true to the original plant
· Different types of marigolds from the same family (i.e. French marigolds) can cross with each other to create a different variation.
Final Thoughts
Marigolds are stars of the summer garden: easy to grow, tough as nails, and packed with personality. Whether you’re growing them to brighten your garden, attract pollinators, or keep pests at bay, starting marigolds from seed is an affordable and rewarding way to get growing.
So go ahead—plant a patch (or two). Your vegetables will thank you, the bees will thank you, and your garden will look like a sunny slice of joy all season long.
Browse our marigold seeds here.