Marigolds have a special place in my heart. The first time I saw the seeds from a crumbled, dry marigold bloom, it seemed like magic (it still does!). Then, when I started a garden, marigolds were one of the first plants I successfully grew from seed.
Marigolds are easy to grow, have abundant blooms, and are excellent companion plants. Learn how to grow marigolds with these five tips.
African marigolds are such a vibrant addition to any garden with their bright oranges, yellows, and reds. Their cheery colors and ability to bloom all season make them a favorite for many gardeners However, there comes a time when your African marigold needs a new home. Knowing the best time to transplant your African marigold will ensure its continued health and maximum blooms.
As an avid gardener, I often get asked when is the ideal time to transplant African marigolds Through trial and error over years in my own garden, I’ve learned when transplanting works best to keep these flowers thriving. Below I’ll walk through exactly when and how to transplant your African marigold for the best results
Why Transplant African Marigolds
Before diving into the transplant timeline, it helps to understand why you may need to transplant your African marigold in the first place Here are some of the most common reasons for transplanting these flowers
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The plant has outgrown its current container. African marigolds can grow quite large, so they often need more space than their original nursery pot allows.
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To refresh the soil. Over time, the soil in a container or garden bed can get depleted of nutrients. Transplanting gives you a chance to amend the soil with new organic matter.
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Divide overgrown plants. Large marigold clumps can be divided to create new plants.
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Move it to a new location. You may opt to transplant an African marigold to a different garden bed or container.
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Improve growing conditions. Transplanting allows you to modify factors like sun exposure, drainage, and spacing.
Knowing why you need to transplant will help guide your timing and technique. Next, let’s look at exactly when is best.
The Ideal Time to Transplant African Marigolds
Spring is hands down the best time for transplanting African marigolds. I recommend transplanting in early spring after the threat of frost has passed but before the weather gets too hot.
This timing gives the African marigold time to establish a strong root system before summer heat and blooming begins. It also allows the soil to warm up enough for active growth.
Aim for transplanting about 4-6 weeks before the last expected spring frost in your area. I’ve found transplanting in early spring leads to healthier, vigorous plants compared to other times of year.
Transplanting Tips for African Marigolds
Follow these simple tips for transplanting success with your African marigolds:
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Water plants well before digging them up to make removal easier on the roots.
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Carefully loosen any circling or tangled roots before placing in the new hole.
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Dig a hole in the new location that’s slightly wider and deeper than the current root ball.
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Backfill the hole with amendments like compost to improve nutrition and drainage.
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Water transplants thoroughly after planting to remove any air pockets.
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Consider using a dilute fertilizer solution on transplants to reduce shock. Look for one higher in phosphorus to fuel root growth.
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Provide shade for transplants for a few days while they establish.
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Avoid transplanting in extreme heat. Morning or evening transplanting is best.
Follow these guidelines precisely, and your African marigolds will flourish in their new location. Just be sure to time it for early spring before the weather heats up.
What to Avoid When Transplanting African Marigolds
Equally as important as when to transplant African marigolds is knowing what to avoid. Here are some key mistakes that can set your transplanting success back:
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Transplanting too early before the soil has warmed sufficiently. This slows growth.
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Allowing the roots to dry out during the process. Keep them moist.
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Transplanting during a heatwave or temperature extremes. Opt for moderate conditions.
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Failing to water transplants adequately after planting. They need moisture to establish.
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Not preparing the new hole with organic matter to enrich the soil.
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Transplanting during blooming. Focus on transplanting before growth accelerates.
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Forgetting to harden off transplants or letting them experience sudden sun/weather changes.
Simply avoiding these missteps will get your African marigold transplants off to the right start.
Signs Your African Marigold Needs Transplanting
Wondering how you’ll know when it’s time to transplant your African marigold? Watch for these signs:
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Roots growing out of the drainage holes of the pot.
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Stunted growth or small leaves and flowers.
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Wilting, even when well-watered.
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Crowded conditions or plants growing into each other.
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Yellowing leaves indicating depleted soil nutrition.
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Slow drainage in the pot or garden bed.
Any of these are cues that your African marigold would benefit from transplanting to a roomier spot with refreshed soil.
Potting Up Transplants
Potting up transplants is a great way to give your African marigolds more space. Use these tips when transplanting into pots:
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Select a container at least 2-4 inches wider than the current pot.
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Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent wet feet.
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Use a quality potting mix, not garden soil which can be too heavy.
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After transplanting, top dress with compost to replenish nutrients.
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Place pots in a sunny area and water when the top inch of soil is dry.
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Stake taller varieties to prevent toppling from wind or heavy blooms.
With the right pot and care, container-grown African marigolds will thrive!
Transplant with Confidence
Now that you know when is the best time to transplant your African marigold, you can feel confident about giving these flowers a fresh start. Proper timing in early spring, care in transplanting, and ongoing TLC will have your African marigolds bursting with color in their new home in no time.
When it comes to transplanting African marigolds, a little know-how goes a long way. So next time your plants need more room to grow, you’ll know exactly when and how to transplant them successfully. Just be sure to enjoy their vibrant blossoms all season long!
Plant marigolds as a companion plant
Marigolds are one of many beneficial insects and pollinator-friendly flowers that are simple to grow from seed. (Read more in this blogpost). I like to plant a few seeds in each garden bed as a way to implement polyculture practices.
Plant marigolds near brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) and onions to help repel cabbage root fly and onion root maggot fly. Marigolds can also be used as a trap crop for spider mites and thrips. (Read more in this blogpost).
Marigolds come in different heights and pair well with other flowers. Use them in borders with low-growing alyssum in front and higher-growing zinnias in the back.
Grow marigolds for cut flowers
This tough flower with abundant blooms is easy to grow and provides multiple stems per plant for cut flowers. Marigold blooms make an excellent filler in bouquets.
- Pinch stems when they are 6 inches (15cm) tall for abundant blooms.
- Harvest when flowers are halfway open.
- Strip all foliage off the main stem.
- Blooms last 7-10 days in a vase with floral preservative.
Marigold Flowers 101: Planting, Care & Harvesting for These Beautiful, Beneficial Pollinators
FAQ
When can I transplant African marigolds?
Do marigolds transplant well?
Do African marigolds like sun or shade?
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 transplant a marigold plant?
Transplant your marigold plant by removing the nursery container. If the transplant does not come out easily, roll the pot between your hands a few times to loosen it first. Once the plant is out of the container, loosen up the root ball of the plant by pulling them apart with your hand, or with a garden shovel.
How long do African marigold plants take to grow?
African marigold plants propagate easily from seed started indoors four to six weeks before last frost date or sown directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds usually germinate in 4 to 14 days. African marigold plants can also be purchased at most garden centers in the spring.
How do you grow African marigolds?
Here are some general guidelines to help you cultivate these vibrant flowers: Sunlight and Soil: African Marigolds thrive in full sun, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can adapt to various soil types but prefer well-drained, moderately fertile soil.