Marigolds are one of the most popular flowers for gardens, thanks to their bright colors and ability to bloom all summer long. But proper watering is crucial to keeping marigolds looking their best. Knowing how often to water marigolds will ensure your plants thrive.
Watering Marigolds After Planting
When you first plant marigold seedlings or seeds the soil needs to stay consistently moist. This allows the new roots to establish and anchor the plant.
For the first 1-2 weeks after planting, water marigolds every 2-3 days Water thoroughly right after planting, then continue moistening the soil regularly shallow waterings are better than occasional deep soakings at this stage.
Once the marigold’s roots are established—new leaves appearing and the plant standing up straight after watering—you can cut back on how often you water it.
Watering Established Marigold Plants
Once marigolds are established, about 2-4 weeks after planting, you can cut back on watering frequency. Developed root systems can better absorb water from deeper in the soil.
Here are some tips on watering established marigolds:
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Water 1-2 times per week. This varies based on climate, soil type, and other factors. Check soil moisture before watering.
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Water deeply. Apply water slowly and deeply to moisten the entire root zone, not just the surface.
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Let the soil dry between waterings. Marigolds do best when the ground can dry out a bit.
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Water in the morning. This allows leaves time to dry before night, reducing disease risk.
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Avoid watering flowers and leaves. Wet foliage can lead to problems like mildew.
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Feel the soil. Stick your finger in the ground to check moisture before watering. Dry soil 2-3 inches down means it’s time.
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Adjust for rain. Reduce watering frequency after rainy periods. The soil likely has enough moisture.
Watering Marigolds in Hot Weather
When it’s hot and dry outside, marigolds need to be watered more often. Plants lose moisture faster when temperatures rise.
Aim to water marigolds every 2-3 days during hot spells. Check soil moisture daily when temps exceed 85°F.
Prioritize watering in the morning or evening when it’s cooler. This prevents water loss from evaporation.
Signs Marigolds Need Water
Look for these cues that your marigolds are thirsty:
- Wilting or drooping leaves
- Leaves turning yellow or brown
- Dry, cracked soil
- Stunted growth
If you see these symptoms, water marigolds immediately. Damaged foliage may not recover, but watering will perk the plants back up.
Consequences of Overwatering
While marigolds crave sun, they don’t like soggy soil. Overwatering can damage or kill them. Signs of overwatering include:
- Mushy, black roots
- Mold or fungus on the stems
- Wilting despite moist soil
- Yellow, dropped leaves
Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Improve drainage by mixing in sand or small stones.
In Summary
Water is crucial for marigolds to bloom abundantly all season. Follow these guidelines on frequency based on the plant’s age and current weather conditions. Pay close attention to soil moisture and the plant’s appearance to know when to water marigolds for optimal growth and flowering.
How often should you water your marigolds after they are established?
After your marigolds are established you will not need to water them as frequently as you did before.
Marigolds thrive best in well-drained soil, so you should aim to water them deeply but infrequently says Peter Schultz, head gardener at Thrive Green Life. Aim to water your marigolds once or twice a week ensuring that the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged, he says.
Marigolds do not like to be over-watered as this can lead to root rot, if the soil is too wet it will not allow the roots to breathe and this can lead to disease.
A good practice is to water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out between watering. This works by mimicking the natural cycle or dry and wet periods which help to promote continuous healthy root growth.
Peter is a seasoned gardener dedicated to the art of cultivating and flourishing vegetables and flowers. He is also the Head Gardener at Thrive Green Life, a gardening blog based in the US.
How often should you water your marigolds after planting?
You should first water your marigolds directly after planting. For the first week or two after you plant marigolds in your yard, the soil needs to be damp to make sure the plants have strong roots.
Sam Kresch, landscaping director at Top Soil, says that watering immediately after planting your marigolds, promotes the roots to swell deeper into the soil, closing off any significant air gaps that can cause the plant’s sections to dry.
It is good practice to keep the soil moist for the first week or two to allow the roots to establish and anchor the plants into the ground. Water your plants once every couple of days at this stage.
Sam Kresch is an avid gardener and Director at Top Soil, a comprehensive directory of all topsoil suppliers across the US.
How Often to Water Marigolds?
FAQ
Should I water marigolds every day?
No, you should not water marigolds every day. While they need consistent moisture, especially when young, they are susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
How do you know if marigolds are overwatered?
If a plant is overwatered, it will likely develop yellow or brown limp, droopy leaves as opposed to dry, crispy leaves (which are a sign of too little water). If you see wilting leaves and wet soil, it’s likely that root rot has set in and the roots can’t take in water anymore.
Do marigolds like full sun?
Yes, marigolds thrive in full sun. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant blooms.
How do you keep potted marigolds alive?
Marigold plants thrive in moist soil conditions. If the soil dries out completely, the roots will die back, making recovery difficult. Conversely, roots exposed to standing water can rot. A Ceramic Self Watering Planter filled with standard potting mix helps maintain consistent soil moisture.