Marigolds are one of the most popular annual flowers, easily grown from seed or transplant, and when given the right conditions will overflow with bright blossoms that fill a garden or container with cheerful color.
Tagetes (marigolds) vary in size from low edging plants to tall cut flowers, with blooms that range in mostly solid colors of orange, golden yellow, and white, sometimes with decorative darker highlights along petals edge.
Equally suited for containers, as they are in the garden, the blossoms and foliage emit a clean, crisp scent and are an excellent companion plant to repel insects and nematodes in the soil.
African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are brightly colored annual flowers that can add a vibrant pop of color to gardens and landscapes. Their bold golden, orange, and red pom pom blooms are perfect for beds, borders, and containers. As the plants mature and become overcrowded, proper transplanting is key to keeping them healthy and floriferous. Follow this simple guide for tips on successfully moving African marigolds to a new location.
When to Transplant
Spring is the ideal time to transplant established marigold plants. This gives them time to settle in before summer heat arrives. Some good times include
- When seedlings get their first true leaves (4-6 weeks after sowing)
- After the last spring frost date passes
- Before plants begin blooming
Marigolds can be transplanted in summer but may experience more shock. Water vigilantly and provide shade for the first few days.
Preparing for Transplanting
Proper planning prevents poor plant performance! Follow these pre-transplant steps:
-
Pick a sunny transplant spot with well-draining soil. Enrich with compost.
-
Water marigolds thoroughly 1-2 days before digging them up.
-
Prune leggy stems and remove spent flowers.
-
Prepare new containers or garden holes for planting.
-
Have transplant tools on hand – trowel, gloves, water, etc.
How to Transplant African Marigolds
-
Water marigolds a day before transplanting. Moist soil protects roots.
-
Dig around marigolds to loosen roots, forming a ball.
-
Gently lift entire plant and root ball from the ground.
-
Place in new hole or container, ensuring proper planting depth.
-
Backfill with native soil, tamping down gently to remove air pockets.
-
Water transplants thoroughly until established.
Transplanting Tips for Healthy Marigolds
-
Handle root balls gently to avoid damage.
-
Plant at same depth plants were originally growing.
-
Water immediately and regularly after transplanting.
-
Provide shade for newly transplanted marigolds.
-
Stake tall varieties to prevent flopping or wind damage.
-
Watch for transplant shock. Plants may wilt at first.
-
Apply balanced fertilizer once marigolds are established.
-
Monitor for pests like aphids or diseases after disturbing roots.
Transplanting Marigold Seedlings
Marigold seedlings also benefit from early transplanting. Follow these tips:
-
Wait until seedlings have 4-6 true leaves before transplanting.
-
Water seedling trays a day before transplanting to moisten soil.
-
Use a spoon or trowel to gently lift out each seedling.
-
Tease apart tangled seedling roots before planting.
-
Water immediately and keep soil consistently moist.
-
Pinch off any flowers in the first couple weeks to promote root growth.
Potting Up Container Marigolds
As marigolds grow, they may outpace their pots. Here’s how to pot them up:
-
Choose a container 2-4 inches wider than the current pot.
-
Fill new pot 1/3 full with fresh potting mix.
-
Gently remove marigold and loosen circled roots.
-
Place in new pot at same level and fill in around sides.
-
Water thoroughly until drainage flows from the bottom.
Aftercare Following Transplanting
Proper aftercare ensures marigolds recover quickly after being disturbed:
-
Provide afternoon shade for 1-2 weeks after transplanting.
-
Water whenever the top 1 inch of soil becomes dry. Prioritize consistent moisture.
-
Hold off fertilizing until plants show new growth, then use a balanced fertilizer.
-
Monitor for wilting, yellowing leaves, or other signs of transplant shock.
-
Keep area free of weeds that compete for water and nutrients.
-
Inspect regularly for common pests like slugs, snails, or aphids.
Transplanting Tips for Specific Marigold Types
Certain marigold varieties have particular transplanting needs:
-
Tall American marigolds – Stake immediately after transplanting to prevent toppling.
-
Compact French marigolds – Best transplanted when very young (2-4 weeks old) before becoming rootbound.
-
Heat-loving Signet marigolds – Wait until night temps stay above 55°F to transplant.
-
Moisture-loving Brocade types – Transplant to evenly moist (not soggy) soil.
Troubleshooting Transplant Issues
If marigolds struggle after transplanting, consider these solutions:
-
Wilting – Increase watering frequency. Transplant shock is common.
-
Leggy growth – Ensure they get 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily.
-
Few blooms – Pinch off buds initially so plants establish roots before flowering.
-
Yellowing leaves – Apply balanced fertilizer and monitor watering. Could indicate overwatering.
-
Pests/diseases – Isolate affected plants. Remove by hand or use insecticidal soap.
Enjoy Your Transplanted Marigolds!
With proper care when transplanting, your African marigolds will quickly establish and reward you with their cheerful blossoms. Transplanting gives plants a new lease on life and prevents overcrowding issues. Just be gentle, attentive, and provide ideal growing conditions for transplant success!
When & Where to Plant Marigolds
Light: Full sun, to partial shade.
Soil: Marigolds prefer fertile soil, preferably loose and loamy with adequate drainage, yet can also tolerate dry conditions.
Spacing: Sow seeds directly in the garden 1-inch apart, or in seed trays to transplant with root system is established. For shorter varieties, plant 8 inches apart, or 10-12 inches apart for the larger African types. Be sure leave enough room for plants to grow with enough air circulation.
Planting: Start seeds indoors, 4- 6 weeks before frost-free date. Place in a sunny window, and then transplant seedlings into the garden when danger of frost is past. Sow directly in the garden after danger of frost. Can be planted throughout the summer for a succession of blooms.
How to Grow Marigolds Throughout the Season
Growth Habit: Marigolds are compact growing, and will not sprawl, as many other annuals are prone to do. Keep spent blossoms and stems are pruned to encourage bushier growth.
Staking: Shorter varieties require no staking. Taller, cut flower types may benefit from staking to avoid falling over in strong wind.
Watering: Marigolds prefer the soil to dry out in between watering; yet can also be finicky if their leaves are wet. Plan to water at the base of the plant, and keep soil moist, yet not overly wet.
Fertilizing: Plant in nutrient rich soil, and fertilize, as needed. Too much fertilizer will stimulate lush foliage, at the expense of flowers.
Trimming & Pruning: Marigolds do not require as much deadheading as other annuals, although removing dead blossoms and stems will encourage new growth, and improve overall appearance.
Mulching: Mulch can be added around young plants to keep away weeds, and to provide moisture to the roots.
★ How to Grow Marigolds from Seed (A Complete Step by Step Guide)
FAQ
When to transplant African marigolds?
Do marigolds transplant well?
Do African marigolds multiply?
Do African marigolds like sun or shade?
How do you transplant African marigolds?
African marigold seedlings and young plants can be found in local nurseries or garden centers in early spring. Two weeks after your last frost date, move any seedlings you’ve started yourself outdoors to harden them off. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball and place the transplant into the hole.
When should I transplant marigolds?
If you are transplanting marigolds from a pot or container, the best time to do it is in the spring, after the first flush of blooms. This will give the transplants a chance to take root before the heat of summer sets in. When transplanting marigolds, it is important to make sure that the soil is well-draining and that the plants are well-watered.
How do you grow a marigold plant?
Loosen the soil, amending the area with a high-quality soil mix. If you have compost available, add one or two handfuls to the soil mixture. Remember that marigolds thrive in moderately fertile, well-draining soil. Space your seeds approximately 12 inches apart, planting about a quarter-inch deep, and water deeply.
What is the best soil for transplanting marigolds?
Peat moss helps to retain water and provides essential nutrients, while compost helps to increase the soil’s fertility and aeration. Sand helps to ensure that the soil remains loose and well-draining. When preparing the soil for transplanting marigolds, it is important to thoroughly mix the ingredients together.