Marigold

A companion planting essential. Deters pests and brings colour to any growing space.

Establishing this month

First sprouts in 5–10 days

Sow

Feb – May

Plant Out

Apr – May

Harvest

Jun – Oct

Type

Both

Difficulty

Growing Calendar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Sow

Transplant

Harvest

This month: Apr

Move seedlings outside carefully

•Harden off plants
•Prepare soil outdoors
•Space plants correctly
•Water well after planting

Sowing Guide

What you'd find on the seed packet

Sow Depth

5mm

Spacing

20–30cm

Germination

5–10days

Thinning

Thin to 20cm apart when seedlings are large enough to handle

Grower's Note

Sow indoors Feb–Mar for earlier flowers, or direct outdoors Apr–May into warm soil.

Growing Stages

Approximate weeks from sowing to harvest

Sprouting

1wks

Seeds germinate and first leaves emerge. Keep warm and moist.

Establishing

3wks

Root system develops and plant builds structure. Pot on if needed.

Maturing

6wks

Plant reaches full size and begins producing. Harvest at peak.

Total~10 weeksfrom seed to harvest

Companion Plants

TomatoCourgetteCarrotCucumberKale

Climate Control

Today

—C

Humidity

—%

Water

Every 3–4 days

Sunlight

6+ hours direct sun

Watch Out For

! Grey mould in wet conditions
! Aphids cluster on stems

Organic Gardening

Feed & protect without buying

Feed

Compost Tea

Light feeders — a monthly compost tea watered around the base is enough to keep plants flowering strongly all season.

Pest

They Deter Pests Naturally

Marigolds repel nematodes and confuse whitefly with their scent. Plant alongside vulnerable crops for passive protection.

More recipes on the Sustainability pageExplore →

What You'll Need

Equipment for growing marigold

Seeds — Just Seed

Wide variety, UK-grown selections

Modular Seed Tray

96-cell for precision sowing

Heated Propagator

Reliable germination indoors

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Just Seed Shropshire Seaweed

Grown Organically

Every method in this guide works with natural systems — no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.

Read our approach

Related Crops

Tomato

Active

Rich, sun-ripened fruits packed with flavour. Start indoors for a long and rewarding season.

Kale

Active

Hardy and nutritious. Flavour improves after the first frost — a winter staple.

Courgette

Active

Prolific and easy to grow. Harvest young for the best flavour and keep plants producing.

Sunflower

Active

Bold and cheerful. A favourite with pollinators and a natural companion to vegetables.

Marigold

Growing Calendar

Sowing Guide

Growing Stages

Companion Plants

Climate Control

Watch Out For

Organic Gardening

What You'll Need

Related Crops

Tomato

Kale

Courgette

Sunflower

Seasonal Updates