How to Grow Marigolds, the Easiest Flower in the Veg Bed

Sowing, spacing and the deadheading habit that turns a few weeks of flowers into a whole season.

The steps

1. Sow After Frost. They will not take cold. Sow direct or start indoors.
2. Full Sun. Six or more hours daily. Shade means few flowers.
3. Poor Soil Is Fine. Rich soil gives leaf, not bloom. Skip the fertiliser.
4. Do Not Overwater. Let the surface dry. Soggy roots rot.
5. Space for Airflow. Crowding brings mildew. Give each plant room.
6. Deadhead Often. Snip spent blooms every few days. Seed setting stops flowering.
7. Plant Among Veg. They edge a bed well. Popular with beneficial insects.
8. Save the Seed. Let a few heads dry. Free plants for next year.

Pro tip. Rich soil and heavy feeding give you a big leafy marigold with few flowers. They bloom hardest in poor ground, which makes them ideal for the awkward corners of a vegetable bed.