If you’re looking for a beautiful flower to add to your garden, look no further than the marigold! These flowers come in a variety of colors, are very easy to care for, and do so much good for your garden. But one question people often ask is how much sun do marigolds need? In this post, we will discuss sun requirements for your marigolds!
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Marigolds
Before we get into the amount of sun marigolds need, let’s go over what marigolds are! These are amazing, beneficial plants to have in your garden, inviting in beneficial insects, and deterring harmful insects. (Keep reading about benefits of marigolds here).
There are also different types of marigolds! So while not all of them will look the exact same, or need the exact same sun and nutrient requirements, most of what’s to follow in this article will relate to all of the types of actual marigolds (pot marigolds – calendula aren’t actually part of the marigold family!) Keep reading about the 4 main types of marigolds here.
With these things in mind, let’s get into how much sun do marigolds need!
Do Marigolds Need Full Sun?
For your marigolds to thrive, they will need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This can mean full sun or part-sun – so if your garden gets a lot of shade in the middle of the day, you may want to consider planting your marigolds in a spot where they get more consistent morning and afternoon sun, or just afternoon sun.
Can Marigolds Grow In The Shade?
With that amount of sunlight in mind for marigolds, can marigolds grow in the shade? No, they can’t grow in full shade. These flowers need multiple hours of direct sunlight a day, so marigolds are not the plant to put in a shade garden.
If you’re curious about part-shade, then that’s okay. Just make sure that your marigolds are getting at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, or else they are likely to not flower at all.
Can Marigolds Get Too Much Sun?
On the flip side of that coin, can marigolds get too much sun? This question is better answered with watering your marigolds. If you can keep up with how much water they need in full sun (which still isn’t that much water – read more about marigold watering needs here), then they can handle all the sun you can give them.
I’ve had my marigolds out in full sun spots in the heart of summer, where they are in the sun for 12 hours and are absolutely fine with it.
Where to Grow Marigolds in the Garden
So where should you plant your marigolds in the garden? Remember that marigolds do need full or part sun, so you want to grow them in an area where they will get plenty of direct light. These plants make for great rows around vegetable gardens or just near fruits and vegetables to deter unwanted insects while attracting beneficial insects.
Or if you just notice a sunny patch that needs an extra bit of color in your garden, then marigolds are a great go-to for this spot!
In Summary
No matter how you decide to add marigolds to your garden, they will be sure to make it a brighter place. With the right amount of sun and proper care, your marigold plants are sure to bring so much beauty and joy!
So how much sun do marigolds need? At least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. With the right amount of sunlight and care, these plants are sure to brighten up your garden.
