African marigold

Year-round

African marigold is a tender annual originally from Mexico and Guatemala, so it is an introduced garden plant here. It grows 1 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, flowers best in full sun, and prefers evenly moist soil that drains well.

• Plant in full sun. Light afternoon shade is fine, full shade is not.
• Keep the soil evenly moist and well drained. It tolerates clay and short dry spells.
• Deadhead spent flowers promptly. The heads are heavy and can snap stems.
• Wear gloves when cutting it back. The sap can cause a skin rash, more so in sunlight.

Regular deadheading keeps the bed looking tended, and the upright habit suits borders and foundation plantings.

Fall

Bloom continues into early fall. As an annual it finishes with the first hard frost.

• Keep deadheading while the plant is still flowering.
• Pull the plants once frost ends them.
• Let a few heads dry if you want to save seed. Seed is the best way to grow it again.

Winter

There is nothing to tend in winter because the plant does not survive frost. Use the time to plan for next year.

• Clear any remaining stems from the bed.
• Start seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date.

Spring

Spring is planting time. Start seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date, and set plants out after that date has passed.

• Set plants out only after the last frost date.
• Pinch back the stems of young plants to encourage bushy growth.
• Water new plants regularly so the soil stays evenly moist.

Summer

Summer is the main bloom season. Steady moisture and prompt deadheading keep the flowers coming.

• Deadhead spent flowers before the heavy heads snap the stems.
• Stake tall varieties, or grow them where strong wind does not reach.
• Check for spider mites, thrips and slugs.
• Watch for powdery mildew and leaf spot, and give plants room for air to move.