How to grow Marigold in New Zealand
Marigolds (Tagetes) are cheerful, easy annuals that flower in yellow, orange, bronze and cream for months over the warm season. Gardeners grow them among vegetables because their flowers bring in bees and hoverflies, and French marigolds can help suppress root-knot nematodes when grown densely. They are frost tender, so sow or plant them once the weather has warmed.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Marigold in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | October to February | |
| Auckland | October to February | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | October to February | |
| Central North Island | November and December | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | October to February | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | October to February | |
| Canterbury | November to January | Frost tender. Sow Nov to Jan once the frosts finish in mid October; autumn frost ends flowering. |
| Otago & Southland | November to January | Frost tender. Sow Nov to Jan after the last frost in late October; autumn frost ends flowering. |
| Central Otago | November to January | Frost tender. Sow Nov to Jan after the last frost in early November; autumn frost ends flowering. |
Not to be confused with: Calendula, often called pot marigold, which is a different, frost-hardy plant with edible petals.
Where to plant
Plant marigolds in full sun in free-draining soil. They do not need rich soil; very rich ground gives lots of leaf and fewer flowers. They suit garden beds, borders, pots, window boxes and baskets.
Plant them close to vegetables that suffer from aphids, as the flowers attract hoverflies, whose larvae eat aphids.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Wellington, and Nelson and Marlborough: sow or plant from October to February.
- Central North Island: sow in November and December, after the frosts.
- Canterbury: sow from November to January once the frosts finish in mid October; autumn frost ends flowering.
- Otago and Southland and Central Otago: sow from November to January after the last frost; autumn frost ends flowering.
Choosing a variety
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| French marigold (Tagetes patula) | Small, bushy plants with orange, yellow, red and bicoloured flowers. The best type for companion planting; mixes such as Nemo are sold for use against nematodes |
| African or American marigold (Tagetes erecta) | Tall plants with big pompom flowers, good for cutting. Cream types such as Eskimo are also available |
| Bedding series (for example Durango, Crackerjack, Zenith) | Popular mixes for long colour in beds and pots |
How to plant
- Sow seed in trays in a warm spot, or direct once the soil is warm. Seed germinates in about 5 to 10 days at 20 to 25°C.
- Plant seedlings 20 to 30 cm apart in full sun, or wider for tall African types.
- Water in gently and keep the soil moderately moist while plants establish.
- Pinch out the tips of young plants to make them bushier.
Watering and feeding
Water at the base to keep the foliage dry, and let the surface dry a little between waterings once plants are established. Marigolds cope with heat but flower better without long dry spells.
Feed lightly in spring and autumn with a general fertiliser. Too much feeding gives leaves rather than flowers.
Pruning and care through the year
- Deadhead regularly to keep the flowers coming.
- Stake tall African marigolds in windy spots.
- For nematode control, grow French marigolds densely across the affected bed for a whole season and then dig them in, rather than dotting a few among crops.
Harvesting
For cut flowers, pick tall types when the flowers are about half open and strip most of the leaves; they last about a week to ten days in a vase.
Leave a few late flowers to dry on the plant if you want to save seed. Pull plants out once frost or cold ends flowering.
Growing in pots
Marigolds are ideal in pots, troughs and baskets in full sun. Use quality potting mix, water when the top dries out and deadhead often. Compact French types suit containers best.
Companion planting
Marigolds are among the most popular companion plants for summer vegetables because their flowers draw in bees and aphid-eating hoverflies.
Good companions
- Tomato Hoverflies drawn to marigolds help control aphids, and French marigolds can suppress root-knot nematodes.
- Beans Planted along the row, marigolds bring in pollinators and beneficial insects.
- Capsicum A summer crop that benefits from the beneficial insects marigolds attract.
- Eggplant A summer crop that benefits from the beneficial insects marigolds attract.
- Cucumber Brings in bees, which cucumbers need for pollination.
- Zucchini Brings in bees, which zucchini need for pollination.
- Pumpkin Brings in bees, which pumpkins need for pollination.
Pests and diseases
Marigolds are tough, but slugs love young seedlings and spider mite can build up in hot, dry weather.
Pests to watch for
- Spider mite Fine pale speckling and webbing on the leaves in hot, dry weather.
- Slugs Seedlings and young plants eaten overnight.
Diseases to watch for
- Powdery mildew White powdery coating on the leaves in late summer; water at the base and give plants room.
Common questions
Do marigolds really keep pests away?
Their main benefit is attracting hoverflies and bees. Hoverfly larvae eat aphids. French marigolds can also suppress root-knot nematodes in the soil, but only when grown densely over a whole season and dug in.
Are marigolds and calendula the same?
No. Marigolds are Tagetes and are frost tender. Calendula, often called pot marigold, is a different, frost-hardy plant with edible petals.
When should I plant marigolds?
Once frosts are over and the soil is warm: from October in the north, and from November in the central North Island and the South Island.
How do I keep marigolds flowering?
Deadhead spent flowers regularly, grow them in full sun, and do not overfeed them.
Can I grow marigolds in pots?
Yes. Compact French marigolds are ideal for pots, troughs and baskets in full sun.
Sources we checked: Tui: Marigold growing guide; Yates NZ: How to grow marigolds; Kings Seeds NZ: Marigold Nemo Mix; Kings Seeds NZ: Marigold Eskimo.