Marigolds need from 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) of water weekly, depending on the type of marigolds you have, and whether they are planted in pots or in the ground. Water your marigolds 1–2 times per week. The two major types of marigolds are calendula and tagetes. Calendulas, the more common of the two, need 2 inches (5 cm) of water per week if grown in pots, and 1.5 inches (3 cm) of water per week when planted outdoors. Tagetes require slightly more water. If grown in pots, they should be given about 1.5 inches (4 cm) of water 2 times per week, and 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water twice per-week if grown in the ground.
How Much Water Do Marigolds Need Per Day?
Calendulas, or common marigolds, don’t need daily watering, since it is better for these flowers if the soil dries out in between waterings. Tagetes marigolds require more water than calendula marigolds, but similar to their more common counterparts, their soil should also be allowed to dry out before you water them again.
- Marigolds don’t need daily water.
- The soil in which marigolds are planted should dry out between waterings.
- Water very lightly if watering marigolds daily.
If, for some reason, you prefer to water your marigolds on a daily basis, make sure you water them very lightly. Try to make sure the total amount of water does not exceed 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) per week. It is better to water marigolds 1–2 times per week, however, so try to stick with this approach.
How Do You Water Marigolds?
Water potted marigolds with a watering can. Aim the flow of water toward the stems’ base. If you’re watering marigolds that are growing outdoors, use a garden hose on a medium setting, and aim the nozzle toward the plants’ stems, just as you would for marigolds planted in pots.
- Use a watering can to water marigolds in pots.
- Outdoor marigolds should be watered with a garden hose on a medium setting.
- Aim the water spray at the base of the plant, whether indoor or outdoor.
- Don’t let the soil get soggy.
Whenever you water your marigolds, be certain to completely drench the soil. This will ensure that moisture reaches the roots. Don’t allow the soil to become soggy, though. This can be avoided by making sure you do not water the soil to more than 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in depth. Proper watering techniques can also protect marigolds from frost when temperatures drop.
Do Marigolds Need A Lot of Water?
Marigolds do not need excessive water, but a good soak on a weekly basis is required by both common marigolds and tagetes marigolds. Tagetes require approximately 0.5 inches (1 cm) more water per week than calendulas.
- Marigolds don’t need excessive water.
- Give the soil where marigolds are planted a good soak weekly.
- Water all marigolds deeply when first planted.
Tagetes should be provided with 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) of water per week, but it is best to disperse the water at two separate times, divided equally. Calendulas can get their 1.5 inches (4 cm) of weekly water all at once. Additionally, all marigolds should be watered deeply when first planted, since this will help them become established.
Can You Overwater Marigolds?
Like any plant, marigolds can be overwatered. This can lead to numerous problems, all of which are difficult to remedy. For example, if the soil in which marigolds are planted becomes soggy, root rot will quickly take place. Your marigolds may end up dying if this happens, so your best defense is to plant your flowers in well-drained soil.
- Marigolds can be overwatered, and this leads to root rot.
- Fungus may form on overwatered marigolds.
- Wilting and drooping are additional signs of excessive watering.
- Always allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid these problems.
Fungus may also form on the flowers of overwatered marigolds. This fungus resembles mold or mildew. Dark lesions on the stems mean the fungus has reached the roots and the plant is probably on the verge of death. The flowers may also wilt or droop. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by making sure the soil dries out between waterings.
What are the Signs of Underwatered Marigolds?
Underwatered marigolds typically look spindly and small. Blooms are sometimes as much as 50% smaller than normal if the plants are not watered appropriately. There may be fewer blooms or the plants may fail to bloom altogether. Because marigolds are not very drought resistant, the flower petals sometimes curl at the edges and turn brown if the plant is underwatered.
- Underwatered marigolds may wilt, lose their vibrant color and produce fewer buds.
- The edges of the flowers may turn brown and curl up.
- Check soil moisture frequently to decide if more water is needed.
- If the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil is dry, it’s time for water.
Finally, if your marigolds are underwatered, you may notice the flowers have a pale or almost colorless hue, as opposed to the vibrant shades for which they are known. A simple way to avoid these problems is to water your marigolds whenever the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil is dry.
How Often Should You Water Marigold Flowers?
The frequency at which you water marigolds depends on whether you are growing them in the ground or in pots, and the type of marigolds you have. Generally speaking, they should be watered once or twice a week. Calendula and tagetes are the two primary marigold types, with calendulas being the more common of the two.
- Calendula marigolds require 2 inches (5 cm) of water per-week if grown in pots.
- If planted in the ground, calendula marigolds need about 1.5 inches (4 cm) of water weekly.
- Tagetes marigolds should be given 1.5 inches (4 cm) of water twice per-week if grown in pots.
- If grown in the ground, tagetes marigolds need 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water twice per-week.
- Always let the soil dry out between waterings.
By avoiding overly wet conditions, your marigolds will flourish and produce impressive blooms. The key to marigold cultivation is to find the perfect amount of water that moistens the soil down to a depth of 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) but dries within a few days. Once you find this balance, you’ll have no problem getting the most from your flowers.
