Lyla Lindsey
Marigolds are a vibrant and fragrant addition to any garden, and they're easy to grow in Australia. With their bright colours and ability to deter pests, they are a popular choice for gardeners. Marigolds are not native to Australia, but they have become a common sight in many gardens across the country. They thrive in warm climates and full sun and are tolerant of poor soils and dry conditions. The best time to plant marigold seeds in Australia is in spring or early summer, giving them plenty of time to establish themselves before the hot summer sun arrives. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to grow and care for marigolds in Australia, ensuring they flourish and bring colour to your garden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to plant | Spring or early summer |
| Frost tolerance | Not very frost-tolerant |
| Climate adaptability | Most climates except the tropics |
| Soil preference | Well-drained, fertile, neutral pH, no acidic soil |
| Sunlight requirement | Full sun |
| Propagation | Seeds or transplants |
| Seed starting | Indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost |
| Transplanting | After seedlings reach approx. 5 cm in height |
| Spacing | 20-30 cm apart |
| Watering | Regularly when first planted, then drought-tolerant |
| Fertilizer | Scotts Osmocote® Controlled Release Fertiliser |
| Pruning | Deadheading to encourage bushiness and more flowers |
| Pests and diseases | Susceptible to fungal diseases in high humidity |
| Varieties | French, Signet, African, 'Little Hero', 'Hero', 'Bonanza', 'Aurora', 'Janie', 'Boy O’ Boy' |
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What You'll Learn
Marigolds thrive in full sun and warm climates
Marigolds are sun-loving flowers that thrive in full sun and warm climates. They are native to Mexico and are not fussy plants, growing in most climates and soil types. They are, however, frost-sensitive and do not like cold winters. Marigolds are ideal for warm, tropical climates and do well in the full sun of spring, summer, and autumn.
When planting marigolds, choose a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They will also benefit from well-drained soil, as they dislike waterlogged soil or wet feet. Marigolds prefer a soil pH of between 6.0 and 7.5, leaning towards neutral, and do not require soil that is rich in organic matter. They are drought-tolerant once established but appreciate consistent watering, especially during dry spells.
In terms of fertiliser, marigolds are not heavy feeders, and a single application of a balanced, slow-release fertiliser is usually sufficient. Regular deadheading encourages continuous flowering, and occasional weeding and mulching help keep the soil moist and tidy. Marigolds are susceptible to fungal diseases in high humidity, so planting in full sun with room for airflow can help prevent this.
African marigolds are the tallest variety and the most sun-loving, thriving in full sunlight and high temperatures. French marigolds are smaller and bushier and can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. Signet marigolds are the smallest variety and are known for their edible flowers; they can also benefit from some afternoon shade in hot regions.
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They can be grown from seeds or potted plants
Marigolds can be grown from seeds or potted plants. The best time to plant marigolds in Australia is in spring or early summer. This will give the plants enough time to establish themselves before the hot summer sun arrives. Marigolds are frost-sensitive and do not like cold winters.
If you want to grow marigolds from seeds, you can start by preparing the soil. Marigolds prefer well-drained soil that is high in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider adding some sand or compost to amend it. You can also improve drainage by growing the plants on raised beds or mounds.
Once your soil is ready, you can sow the marigold seeds. The seeds are small, so it is recommended to sow them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. You can plant them in trays, mist them, and wait for 7-10 days. After this initial period, you'll need to harden off your seedlings to prepare them for outdoor planting. Start by placing them outdoors in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day. When your seedlings are about 5 cm in height, they are ready to be transplanted into your garden bed, ensuring they are well spaced—at least 20 to 30 cm apart.
Alternatively, you can sow the seeds directly outdoors in your garden. Prepare the soil as mentioned above and then scatter the seeds over the prepared soil in spring when it is warm. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist during germination.
If you prefer to start with potted plants, you can purchase marigold seedlings or young plants from a nursery or garden centre. Choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun and prepare the planting area by digging and mixing in some fertiliser. Gently remove the marigold from its nursery pot, being careful not to damage the roots. Space the plants 20 to 30 cm apart and backfill the area around the plant with soil. Water the plants well, and top the soil with mulch to retain moisture.
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Prepare the soil by improving drainage and fertility
Marigolds are not fussy plants and will grow in most climates and soil types. However, they prefer well-drained soil that is high in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
To prepare the soil, start by digging down about 15 cm to loosen the soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with some sand or compost to improve drainage and fertility. You can also add a slow-release granular fertiliser at this stage. Mix everything together before planting your marigold seeds.
Another way to improve drainage is to grow your marigolds on raised beds or mounds. If you are growing your marigolds in pots, ensure that the soil and pot are free-draining to avoid root rot. Choose a pot that suits the mature height and width of your chosen marigold variety.
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Water regularly when first planted, then less frequently
Marigolds are not fussy plants and will grow in most climates and soil types. However, they are frost-sensitive and do not like cold winters. They thrive in warm climates and full sunshine and can handle very hot summers.
When you first plant your marigold seeds or plants, it is important to water them regularly. They shouldn't be in dry soil for more than a couple of days. If the weather is hot and sunny, water new plants every day. Once they've established a good root system, they will be more drought-tolerant. However, for the best blooms, it is recommended to give them a weekly watering. It is important to note that marigolds hate wet feet, and waterlogged soil or potting mix will quickly cause them to rot. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the soil is well-drained. When watering, avoid doing so from overhead; instead, water at the base of the plant.
Marigolds can be grown from seeds or potted plants easily. If you choose to start with seeds, plant them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Keep the soil moist while they germinate. If you prefer to start marigolds from seeds in pots, use a soil-based potting mix and keep the pots in a protected, frost-free spot. Marigold seeds can be sown in late autumn or winter if kept indoors.
Once your marigolds have established a good root system and their foliage has filled out, you can reduce the frequency of watering. This is because marigolds are fairly drought-tolerant, especially the African and signet varieties. However, it is still important to provide them with occasional watering during dry periods to keep them healthy and promote flowering.
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Marigolds are useful companion plants, attracting beneficial insects
Marigolds are a popular choice for gardeners in Australia due to their pest-deterring abilities and tolerance of poor soils and dry conditions. They are also useful companion plants, attracting beneficial insects and pollinators to the garden.
French marigolds (T. patula) are known to attract root knot nematodes, which can help control the vegetable patch. They also emit airborne limonene, which protects tomato plants from glasshouse whiteflies. In addition, French marigolds are effective in deterring other pests such as the cabbage butterfly, whitefly, and spider mites.
Marigolds also attract pollinators, such as bees, which are beneficial for vegetable gardens and melon flowers. The bright yellow and orange colours of the flowers, along with their fragrance, make them attractive to these insects.
Marigolds can be grown from seeds or potted plants. They prefer well-drained soil that is high in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. They should be planted in a location that receives full sun, and they will also need well-drained soil to thrive.
Overall, marigolds are useful companion plants that can help attract beneficial insects and improve the health and yield of your garden.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to plant marigolds is in spring or early summer. This gives the plants enough time to establish themselves before the hot summer sun arrives.
Marigolds are not fussy plants and will grow in most soil types. They prefer well-drained soil that is high in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Yes, marigolds need a full sun spot to thrive and bloom. They love heat and can handle very hot summers.
Marigolds don't like wet soil or waterlogged conditions, as this can cause them to rot. Once established, they are drought-tolerant, so you don't need to water them frequently. However, for the best blooms, give them a weekly watering.
Yes, marigolds can be easily grown from seeds. You can broadcast the seeds over prepared soil in spring when the soil is warm, or start them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Keep the soil moist while they germinate.
