Knowing if a marigold ( Tagetes spp . ) variety is annual or repeated is important information for determining where and when to plant them in your garden . agree to theNorth Carolina State University Cooperative Extension , roughly 49 species go to the genusTagetesand divvy up the vernacular name marigold .
Most coarse marigold varieties are annual , but there are also a few repeated marigold varieties that will persist in the garden year after year . Although they deviate in life cycle and hardiness , marigolds all share similarity in visual aspect , originate conditions and care requirements .
Tip
Most common marigold varieties are yearbook but there are perennial sort , as well .
Annual Marigold Varieties
Most bedding marigolds get in garden nurseries are annuals , including the African marigold ( Tagetes erecta ) , French marigold ( Tagetes patula ) and signet marigold ( Tagetes tenuifolia ) . All deal interchangeable - look flowers with golden yellow or orange coloring and lacy , segmented foliage , but they also have pregnant difference , as well .
African marigold are the tallest of the three , for instance , reaching 3 to 4 feet in height ; French and signet marigolds originate to between 6 inch and 2 foot , look on the cultivar .
yearly marigold varieties partake many quality but are not precisely alike . Not only do marigold need full sun , all potpourri also need fast - draining soil that will retain moisture during hot weather .
Signet marigold perform well in red-hot , dry garden , whereas Gallic marigolds will tolerate rainy or wet conditions . African marigolds adapt to a wide range of growing condition and will tolerate Lucius Clay - based or dry dirt with no problem , but they look well when planted in a moist , well - drain site , according to theNorth Carolina State University Cooperative Extension .
Perennial Marigold Varieties
Only a couple of civilise marigold varieties are perennial . Not only will these marigolds come back after hoar if they are repeated , they may not die back at all if grown under the right conditions .
Mount Lemon Marigold
One modest upkeep kind is Mount Lemon marigold ( Tagetes lemmonii ) , which is native to the southwestern United States and also fuck as the Mexican marigold . According to theArizona State University Extension , it grows best within U.S. Department of Agriculture works hardiness geographical zone 8 to 11 , where it makes a drouth - tolerant gain to landscape gardening .
It shares the same gilded orange tree flowers and pinnate foliage as other marigold varieties but it reaches a mature superlative of 5 to 8 feet .
Mexican Tarragon Marigold
Another perennial marigold variety is Mexican tarragon ( Tagetes lucida ) , which farm good in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 to 11 . It does not bloom with the same showy flowers as other marigold varieties but has a magniloquent , refined growth wont and slender foliage that make it a spectacular addition to landscape gardening .
According to theUIC Heritage Garden , Mexican tarragon is wide develop for its fragrant foliage , which is used in cooking and traditional medicine .
When to Plant Marigolds
- Annual Marigolds :* * These must be started from seed or replaced with garden center transplants each yr because they conk back with the frost in autumn .
Gallic marigolds grow well when started from source directly in the garden or indoors four to six week before the last fountain frost . African marigold rise more slowly and take longer to become lay down than French marigolds and should be started indoors eight to 10 weeks before the last spring frost , recommendsClemson Cooperative Extension .
After the last outflow frost , acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions for a workweek or so before transplanting them into the garden .
- Perennial Marigolds :* * These can be planted in the spring after the last frost , or in autumn . declension planting work best in climates with a mild , showery winter with no hard rime . Spring planting works in all expanse but the plants will involve regular lachrymation during their first summertime in the garden to help them put down deep roots .
repeated marigolds are typically propagated from newspaper clipping or seeded player , although naturalize varieties will not grow truthful from seed .
What to Do with Marigolds in Winter
The question of what to do with marigold at the end of the season depend on whether the marigold is yearly or perennial .
- Annuals :* * Annual marigolds typically die back with the frost in cold mood but will survive the winter calendar month in mild sphere . Dead marigolds can be deplumate up and thrown off or tilled into the bottom to enrich the soil .
Potted marigolds can be brought indoors or placed on a porch during cold weather , then returned to their original location once temperatures warm up again . Keep them watered and plow with a lightweight cotton fiber sheet to protect their foliage .
- perennial :* * Perennial marigold necessitate little maintenance during the winter months besides idle mulch around their foundation .
TheUC Master Gardeners of Butte Countynote that Mexican marigold often die back with gruelling icing , but they will return in spring . Some growers opt to cut back the plant life by half , while others opt to leave the seed straits in position to provide winter forage for birds .
