Marigold Seeds

Marigolds make good companion plant for many veggies

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Marigold Seeds - Grow Organic

Marigold Seeds: A Versatile and Resilient Flower Choice

Marigolds are an attractive and low-maintenance flowering plant choice for any garden. With vibrant yellow orange blooms and natural pest-repelling properties, gardeners have cherished marigold seeds for generations. Native to Central America and introduced to Europe via trade routes, marigolds now include several varieties like the English marigold, tagetes tenuifolia (signet marigold), and marigolds tagetes erecta (Mexican marigold), which often produces large blooms and grows several feet tall. French marigolds and signet marigolds are especially popular for their color and compact size, often ranging between 6–12 inches tall. These plants thrive in full sun and warm conditions, making them ideal for both beginner and expert gardeners. Whether you're growing from traditional or organic marigold seeds, we offer high-quality marigold seeds for sale to suit your gardening needs.

The Allure of Marigolds

Marigolds belong to the category of annual flowers, making them easy to grow for both novice and experienced gardeners. These stunning blooms come in various colors, ranging from sunny yellows and fiery oranges to deep, rich reds. While their visual appeal is undeniable, marigolds also offer a unique feature—a strong aroma. Some may find their scent overpowering, but it serves a valuable purpose in the garden. Marigolds release a fragrance that acts as a natural repellent against common garden pests, helping to keep your plants safe.

A Rich and Symbolic History

Marigold seeds have a fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. Originating in Egypt, marigolds were introduced to Europe in the 14th century. They quickly gained popularity and became symbols of good luck and protection in various cultures. Many people planted marigolds around their homes to ward off evil spirits, showcasing the deep-rooted belief in their protective qualities. Furthermore, marigold seeds were often utilized in ancient herbal remedies and potions, showcasing their versatility beyond aesthetics.

Cultivating Marigolds from Seed

Growing marigolds from seed is a rewarding and straightforward process. To ensure the best results, it's crucial to replicate their natural growing conditions as closely as possible. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you succeed:

  1. Select the Ideal Location: Marigolds thrive in full sunlight, so choose a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day. They also prefer warm weather, so wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting them outdoors.

  2. Prepare the Soil: Loose, warm soil is ideal for marigolds. Loosen the soil in your chosen area before planting to improve drainage and aeration. This will create a welcoming environment for your marigold seeds.

  3. Plant the Seeds: Sow the marigold seeds directly into the prepared soil. Cover them with a thin layer of vermiculite to help retain moisture. Ensure that the soil remains consistently moist during the germination process.

  4. Care and Maintenance: Marigolds are generally low-maintenance plants. Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering, as marigolds dislike soggy conditions. Remove any weeds that may compete with your marigolds for nutrients.

With proper care, patience, and attention to their needs, you can look forward to a stunning display of marigolds gracing your garden for years to come.

Open Pollination: A Natural Approach

Like our other flower seeds, all of our marigold seeds are open-pollinated. This means that they have been pollinated by natural mechanisms such as insects, birds, and wind. Open pollination allows for genetic diversity and resilience in the plant population, resulting in healthier and more adaptable marigold plants.

Marigold seeds offer beauty, a rich history, and natural pest-repelling properties. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, marigolds are an excellent choice for your garden. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy the vibrant colors and delightful fragrance of these versatile flowers year after year.

All of our flower seeds are open pollinated, meaning they have been pollinated by insects, birds, wind, or other natural mechanisms.

For more information on African marigolds, see our companion guide in the Resource Center.  Enjoy our full collection of flower seeds for sale.

FAQs: Annie's Perennials

What are perennial plants?

Perennial plants live for more than two growing seasons. If properly cared for, they will return year after year with consistent bloom times to add color and diversity to your garden.

What is the difference between annuals and perennials?

The key difference between annuals and perennials is their lifespan. Annuals live for one growing season, although some of our annual plants do re-seed, thereby prolonging their benefits past a single season. Perennial plants and perennial flowers persist for several years, returning year after year, every growing season. Another difference is that true annuals will bloom throughout the entire season; whereas, perennials may bloom intermittently during or between seasons.

What are the benefits of growing perennials?

Perennial plants and flowers provide lasting beauty and structure to your garden. They have specific seasonal bloom times that remain consistent year after year, ensuring vibrant color for your garden throughout the seasons. Perennials also contribute to biodiversity and help the overall environment. Their deep root systems help prevent soil erosion and retain nutrients, while also sequestering carbon. Planting lots of different perennials with varied bloom times ensures consistent, reliable food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial wildlife.

When should I buy perennials to plant?

The ideal time to plant perennials is spring or early fall. This allows them to establish their root system before extreme weather.

How do I care for perennial plants?

In general, Perennials need watering, occasional fertilization, and deadheading to encourage repeat blooming. The specific care needs can vary by type. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer many native and low water, low-maintenance perennials to make planting and caring for them easy. We want to make gardening success attainable for everyone.

Can you plant perennials in pots or containers?

Yes! We have hundreds of perennial plants that work well in containers as well as in garden beds. Just make sure your pot size is adequate for the root system of your particular plant.

Do perennials require full sun?

Some perennials prefer full sun, which typically means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Other varieties require full or partial shade. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer you many options for both shade and sun plants to fit every gardening need.

Do perennials attract pollinators and wildlife?

Yes! Perennials, with their reliable bloom times, are valuable additions to a pollinator-friendly garden. They provide consistent food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other beneficial wildlife. Planting many different perennials with varied bloom times will attract and feed pollinators throughout all of the seasons.

What are some popular perennial flowers?

Some common perennials include <strong>Yarrow</strong> (Achillea millefolium), </strong>African daisies</strong> (Arctotis) </strong>Butterfly Bush</strong> (Buddleja davidii), <strong>Campanula, Dahlia, Delphiniums, Peonies (Paeonia), Roses (Rosa), Irises, and Coneflowers</strong> (Echinacea). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost hundreds and hundreds of popular perennials – like the ones previously mentioned, along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we also offer many more perennials that are quite unusual and hard to find

What are hardy perennials?

Hardy perennials are perennial plants that grow for multiple seasons and can survive very cold weather in their growing zones. For this reason, hardy perennial plants are the perfect plant selection for any garden.

Do perennials come back every year?

Yes, if planted and cared for properly, perennials will return year after year. At Annie’s, we offer hundreds of perennials that are perfect beginner plants– easy to grow and easy to care for - so everyone can garden successfully.

What are different types of perennials?

Flowering Perennials: Are known for vibrant, consistent and long-lasting blooms. Examples include peonies (Paenonia), roses (Rosa), coneflowers (Echinaea), Abutilon, Alstroemeria, african daisy (Arctotis), foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), carnations (dianthus), geraniums, sages (Salvia), Strawflowers (helichrysum bracteatum), hollyhocks and impatiens, among many others.

Foliage Perennials: Are known for their striking, colorful foliage. Hostas, heucheras, and ornamental grasses are some common varieties.

Shade-Loving Perennials: Thrive in low-light or partial shade conditions. Examples include astilbes, ferns, and bleeding hearts (dicentras). Some of our favorite shade perennials at Annie’s are Begonias, Fuchsias, Sedges, Hellebores, Heucheras, and Impatiens.

Sun-loving perennials: Thrive in full sun conditions (meaning full sun for at least 6 hours per day). Some common examples of sun-loving perennials are lavender (Lavandula), sage (Salvia), African daisy (Arctotis), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost one thousand sun-loving perennials – like the ones previously mentioned along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

Herbaceous Perennials: These are perennial plants that die back to the ground each Fall or Winter, but whose roots remain alive and send up new growth and reemerge in the Spring or Summer. They include a variety of flowers and foliage, like columbines (Aquilegia), delphiniums, foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), and Iris.

Woody Perennials: These are shrubs and small trees that persist for many years, bringing useful structure and seasonal blooms to your garden. Examples include hydrangeas, California lilac (Ceanothus), fuchsias, and butterfly bushes (Buddleja).

Native Perennials: are well-suited to specific regions and often need less maintenance and human intervention. California native plant species might include yarrow (Achillea), California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), milkweed (Asclepias), monkey flowers (Mimulus), and some sages (Salvias), depending on your location. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer one of the largest selections of CA native perennials to be found anywhere.

Long-Blooming Perennials: Have extended blooming periods and can include varieties like Alstroemeria, Abutilon (Flowering Maples), African daisies (Actotis), Agastache, coreopsis, yarrow (Achillea), and sages (Salvias).

Drought-Tolerant Perennials: Can withstand periods of dry conditions and need less watering. Examples include lavender (Lavandula), yarrow (Achillea), sedum (stonecrop), Agastache, Aloe, milkweed (Asclepias), and some sages (Salvias).

Deer-resistant Perennials: Have characteristics that make them less appealing to deer. Options include yarrow (Achillea), lambs' ears (Stachys byzantine), Agastache, and some ornamental sages (Salvia).

Perennial Bulbs: Some perennials grow from bulbs, including favorites like tulips, daffodils, freesias, ranunculus, and irises. They return year after year, adding color to your garden each spring.

Climbing Perennials: Perennial vines like clematis and wisteria add vertical interest to your garden, climbing trellises, arbors, and fences.