Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight
Prepare well-draining soil and remove weeds and debris
Loosen the soil to a depth of about 8 to 10 inches
Mix in compost if the soil is poor
Plant marigold seedlings after the last frost date
Dig holes slightly larger than the root balls
Space plants according to the variety, usually 8 to 18 inches apart
Place each plant in the hole at the same depth it was growing before
Fill the hole with soil and gently firm it around the plant
Water thoroughly after planting
Keep the soil evenly moist until the plants are established
Mulch lightly around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds
Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
Fertilize sparingly if needed, using a balanced fertilizer