Where to Buy Marigold Plants: The Best Places for Vibrant, Colorful Blooms

Marigolds are one of the most popular garden flowers that bloom every year. Their happy, bright flowers come in many shades, such as orange, red, yellow, and more than one color. Marigolds are easy to grow, bloom all summer long, and bring in pollinators like bees and butterflies. Rose marigolds are a great way to add color to your garden or pots right away. Where can you buy high-quality marigold plants, though? These are the best places to get them for beautiful color that lasts.

The Home Depot

The garden center at Home Depot is one of the best places to get marigold plants. The Home Depot sells high-quality marigold plants from top growers like Pure Beauty Farms and Metrolina Greenhouses. They have more than 15 different kinds of marigolds in popular sizes like 4 inches. 5 inch pots, 1 gallon pots, 2 quart pots, and 3 2 quart grower’s pots.

Common types of marigolds can be bought at The Home Depot, such as French marigolds with crest-shaped blooms that come in yellow, orange, red, and mixed colors. They also carry larger African marigolds in bold sunset hues. Prices range from $1. 98 for a 4. 5 inch pot to $23. 98 for a 3. 2 quart size. New shipments of marigold plants arrive at The Home Depot all the time, so you should be able to find a good selection in stores during planting season.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s is another home improvement store that sells marigolds. At your local Lowe’s garden shop, you can buy marigold plants in multipacks and trays to make planting easier. You can choose from French marigolds, African marigolds, signet marigolds with edible flowers, and dwarf varieties that are great for pots. Lowe’s sells marigolds in both single pots and trays with 6, 9, or 18 plants.

Look for their exclusive Flower Festival marigolds in yellow, orange, and mixed colors. Prices start at $5 for a 6 pack of plants. One advantage of buying marigolds at Lowe’s is their inventory guarantee – if a particular plant is out of stock, they’ll issue you a raincheck so you can purchase it later at the sale price.

Walmart

Stop by the garden center at your local Walmart and you’re likely to find marigolds for sale. Walmart sells marigolds in individual 4 inch pots and in tray packs of 3, 6, or 9 plants. Choose from varieties like Safari orange or yellow marigolds, French marigolds, or dwarf marigolds under 1 foot tall. Prices are very affordable, starting at $3 for a 4 inch potted marigold.

One tip for buying marigolds at Walmart – check them carefully for good health and avoid plants that look leggy or wilted. Walmart’s plant quality can be inconsistent compared to nurseries and garden centers. But with some inspection, you can often find vigorous marigold plants ready for planting.

Local Nurseries

Independent local nurseries are a great place to shop for marigolds and other annual flowers. They offer a wide selection since they aren’t limited to certain vendor partnerships like big box stores. The staff at local nurseries also tend to be very knowledgeable about selecting plants. Describe the sun exposure, climate, and look you want, and they can recommend the best marigold varieties.

Some top local nurseries to check for marigolds are Armstrong Garden Centers in California, Petitti Garden Centers in Ohio, Glover Nursery in Florida, and Purple Porch Nursery in Pennsylvania. You’re likely to find unique marigold varieties you won’t see at the big chains. Nursery prices are often on par or slightly higher than Lowe’s and Home Depot.

Online Retailers

If you’re looking for a specific marigold variety that you can’t find locally, shopping with online plant retailers is a good option. Here are some recommended online sources for mail order marigolds:

• Burpee – Offers over 25 types of marigolds, including heirloom varieties. Free shipping on orders over $35.

• Breck’s – Large selection of marigolds sold in value packs of 12 or 36 plants. Free shipping on some orders.

• Territorial Seed Company – Specializes in unique and rare flower varieties, including marigolds.

• American Meadows – Sells potted marigolds ready to plant in the garden. $9.95 flat rate shipping.

• Eden Brothers – Wide range of marigold seeds available if you want to grow from seed.

Check plant hardiness zones when ordering online and time shipments so plants arrive when you’re ready to plant. With proper timing, you can get great results buying marigolds online.

When to Buy Marigolds

Timing is important when buying marigolds. Here are some tips on when to shop:

• Spring – Buy marigold 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost to grow transplants for transplanting outside later.

• Summer – Marigolds are readily available at most stores by late spring and early summer when garden planting season is in full swing.

• Fall – Shop for marigolds in late summer to early fall to plant a second crop for fall blooms.

Avoid buying marigolds too far in advance or they may become rootbound before you can plant them. Monitor weather forecasts and plant marigolds 1-2 weeks after the danger of frost has passed.

What to Look for When Buying Marigold Plants

When selecting healthy marigold plants, look for:

• Green foliage without wilting or yellowing
• Compact, bushy growth instead of leggy stems
• No evidence of pests, disease, mold, or damage
• Lots of flower buds ready to open up
• Good root establishment but not severely rootbound

Check that the marigold variety you choose matches the mature plant size for the space you have. Also confirm the sunlight levels needed match your garden’s light exposure before purchasing.

With proper selection and care, marigolds are easy to grow into vibrant garden features. Follow these tips on where to find quality marigolds, and you’ll have the best choices to start your landscape and container plantings off with a flourish of color.