dandelion

Water French marigolds regularly at least once a week. Water is best applied early in the morning or later in the evening. Before watering, check the soil moisture level by putting your finger in the soil up to the second knuckle. If the soil is dry, give the plant enough water to moisten the soil down to the bottom of the pot. Do not overwater the plant, as too much water can cause root rot. During hot weather, marigolds may need to be watered more often to keep them looking their best.

Tags patula (syn. T. erecta) is an annual flowering plant that is happiest when grown in full sun. Marigold requires 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, with some varieties requiring up to 10 hours per day. It's best to plant them in an area with direct morning light and indirect or filtered afternoon sunlight. Avoid shady locations that will cause the plants to become leggy or spindly. If possible, Marigold should be planted in a location that receives consistent sunlight exposure throughout the day.

French marigolds (Tagetes patula (syn. T. erecta) should be pruned regularly to encourage new growth and stronger stems. This can be done with pruning shears and by lightly cutting back any dead or wilted stems. Pruning should be done monthly or more often during periods of peak growth. Removing spent blooms encourages further blooms and helps maintain the plant's bushiness. It is also important to watch for signs of disease or stress and prune away any affected stems or leaves. As a general rule, try to keep the plant’s height to a maximum of about 12 inches. This will ensure there is enough energy to sustain an abundance of blossoms.