African marigold

African marigolds thrive with frequent watering; they should never be allowed to dry out completely. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. It is best to water African marigolds at the base of the plant, as wetting the foliage can promote fungal growth. During the summer months, water frequently, every few days, or at least daily. In cooler weather, every 7–10 days may be sufficient. Avoid overwatering, as too much water can damage the roots.

African marigolds grow best in full sun, meaning 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. They will tolerate partial shade, but flowering and overall growth will be reduced. Plants should be exposed to the morning sun to prevent wilting during the hottest part of the day. African marigolds grow best in soil that is kept consistently moist but not soggy.

You should prune African marigolds (Tagetes erecta (incl. hybrid cvs.)) twice a year. Prune them once in late spring (early to mid-May) and again in late summer (mid-July to mid-August). In late spring, prune back the plant by up to 1-third of its height to help promote bushier growth. This also helps to decrease the possibility of leggy plants. Make sure to remove all dead or damaged branches and leaves. In late summer, prune the plant lightly to remove any dead or damaged branches or leaves. This also helps to maintain the shape of the plant by preventing the stems from becoming too leggy. African marigolds can tolerate heavy pruning so don’t be afraid to trim back more of the plant if it is overgrown. However, it is important to avoid pruning too late in the season, as this can cause the plant to start to bloom early which can reduce flower production the following year.