Collection: Marigold Seeds (Heirloom)

The Best Performing Heirloom Marigolds

Heirloom marigolds, which are native to North and South America, are extremely significant in many civilizations. Marigolds are used at altars all across the world during Dia de Los Muertos ceremonies to memorialize and celebrate loved ones who have passed away. Ironically, cultivated marigolds are either French, African, or Signet. French and Signet varieties are smaller plants that seldom grow more than a foot tall, whereas African marigolds may reach four feet tall depending on the type! Eden Brothers chose the best African and French heritage and open-pollinated cultivars based on productivity, disease resistance, and drought tolerance.

When to start heirloom marigold seeds

After the last frost, direct sow heirloom marigold seeds. These heat-loving annuals bloom best in full sun and fertile, well-draining soil, but marigolds can thrive in any location and are drought tolerant once established. Choose a planting location and scatter heirloom marigold seeds, then softly cover the seeds with a rake. Keep in mind that marigolds want sunshine to germinate, so don't pile too much soil on top of them. Wait after thoroughly watering the soil. Thin the seedlings to nine-inch spacing once they have sprouted and began to produce genuine leaves.

Heirloom marigold seeds should be started indoors two months before the final spring frost date. After all danger of frost has passed, transplant seedlings outside and space plants nine inches apart. Plant African marigold variants outside as soon as possible after the first killing frost to let the plants mature fully before the first killing frost. Because the plants develop more quickly, the planting window for French marigolds is longer.

How to maintain heirloom marigold plants

Keep an eye on the weather; marigolds can withstand drought, but they'll need to be watered if it hasn't rained in more than two weeks. To keep your heirloom marigold plants producing stunning blooms all season, deadhead wasted flowers. It's not required to fertilize marigolds; these resilient plants put on a display regardless!

Heirloom marigolds make wonderful dried flowers. Harvest the stems or snap off the heads and dry for two to three weeks in a cool, dark area. Flowers that are kept out of direct sunlight will preserve their beautiful colors.

Deter Pests with heirloom marigolds

Because of their natural resistance to pests such as cabbage worms and deer, the strong aroma of heirloom marigolds may prevent certain pests while attracting helpful insects, such as aphid-eating ladybugs, to your vulnerable crops.

Don't be daunted by the sheer number of vivid heirloom marigold varieties available—just pick a couple of each! Pick yourself a few of Eden Brothers' tall African marigolds for your border and a few French marigolds for your container garden.

For more information about planting, growing, and harvesting heirloom marigold seeds, see the Marigold Seeds Planting Guide.