What are the growth habits of marigolds? The latest detailed guide is here

Marigolds are native to Mexico and prefer a warm, humid environment with plenty of sunlight. The optimal growing temperature for marigolds is 15-20°C, and the winter temperature should not drop below 5°C. When summer temperatures exceed 30°C, the plants become leggy, with loose stems and leaves and few flowers. Below 10°C, they can still grow but at a slower rate, and the growth cycle is prolonged.

Marigolds like moisture but are also drought-tolerant. Especially in summer, when there is too much water, the stems and leaves grow vigorously, affecting plant shape and flowering. When cultivating marigolds during high-temperature periods, water must be strictly controlled, and slightly dry conditions are preferable.

Marigolds are light-loving plants, and ample sunlight is very beneficial to their growth, making the plants compact and sturdy with vivid flower colors. With insufficient sunlight, the stems and leaves become soft and slender, and the flowers are fewer and smaller. Marigolds are relatively sensitive to day length and can be treated with short-day conditions (9 hours) to make them bloom earlier.

Marigolds are not demanding about soil and prefer fertile, well-drained sandy loam.