The One Reason You Might Not Want To Plant Marigolds This Fall

Fall planting season is here, and many gardeners are eager to fill containers and garden beds with vibrant blooms. If marigolds (Tagetes) are on your list, though, you may want to put a pin in it before planting. These cheerful flowers are a classic choice, but fall isn't always the friendliest season for them. The reason often comes down to size and timing. Many marigold varieties grow taller than expected. In pots, their lanky stems can quickly topple, while in garden beds, they can be just be as unmanageable once they start stretching out.

The one variety you might want to avoid planting in your patio is African marigold (Tagetes erecta). This variety can shoot up to 3 or 4 feet tall. Unless you're using a massive pot, regular containers can't give them the support they need. Instead of a tidy pop of color, you could end up with a leggy plant flopping sideways against your porch railing — probably not exactly what you had in mind.

In garden beds, taller varieties may struggle with wind, and cooler temperatures can slow their growth and limit full blooming. Early frost can also cut their season short, leaving flowers that never reach their potential. Instead of long-lasting, Instagram-worthy blooms, you could end up with drooping or collapsed flowers before the season is really underway.

If you missed the spring to midsummer window, which is the best time of year to plant marigolds, and you're intent on doing it this fall, stick with dwarf or shorter types such as French (Tagetes patula) or signet (Tagetes tenuifolia) varieties. They're compact enough to reach full bloom without toppling over. Marigolds aren't very picky about soil pH, but they do need well-draining conditions. A little dryness between waterings actually works in their favor. These annuals can be grown in USDA Zones 2 through 11.

If your heart is set on taller varieties, planting them directly in garden beds is a safer bet. To help them withstand strong winds and heavy rain, give them extra support with stakes. African marigolds, in particular, have dense flowerheads that can rot in wet conditions, so keep that in mind.

To get a bushier growth once your marigolds are established, pinch back the tops. This technique will encourage your plants to continue producing fresh blooms. Always water at the base of the plant, not the leaves, to avoid powdery mildew. Make sure you let the soil dry slightly between watering rounds. Skip feeding them nitrogen fertilizer since it fuels leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Adding a layer of mulch between plants helps soil stay evenly moist and keep those annoying weeds at bay — something young plants especially appreciate. Avoiding common marigold growing mistakes like these might give your marigolds a better chance at flourishing, even in the fall.