Marigolds are a classic, low-maintenance annual plant that will brighten any garden. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, bees, and butterflies that help pollinate its bright yellow flowers and any flowers growing nearby.
You can enjoy blooming marigolds from late spring until the fall when you plant them in well-draining soil and full sun.
What is Full Sun?
Full sun plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Some plants may need 8 – 10 hours of sunshine to bloom.
A porch that gets direct sunshine from afternoon until dusk is an example of an ideal full sun location.
How Many Hours of Sun do Marigolds Need?
Marigolds require a full day of sunlight for optimal growth and flowering. It is recommended that they get at least 6 hours of direct sunshine, but 8 hours or more is best.
If your garden doesn’t get much sun, plant marigolds in flowerpots so you can easily move them to sunnier areas to get the sun they need.
Can They Grow in Indirect Light?
Marigolds can grow in indirect sunlight. If you’re growing marigolds indoors, place them near a window that faces south, so they receive sufficient sunlight.
If you don’t have a south-facing window, consider using fluorescent lights as a supplement.
Can They Grow in Shade?
Most marigolds require full sun, but they can tolerate moderate shade if it gets intense sunlight the rest of the day.
Marigolds can only tolerate dense shade during their early growth stages. Once these plants reach a few inches in height, they will need full sunlight.
Can Marigolds Get Too Much Sun?
Marigolds can dry out when they are scorched by direct sunlight and heat. They are less likely to get scorched in colder climates.
In subtropical climates, marigolds can benefit from some midday shade during periods of extreme heat.
How to Measure How Much Sun an Area is Getting
You can track how much sunlight an area receives from dawn to dusk and note whether the location receives direct sunlight, partial shade, or full shade throughout the day. Here’s how:
Full sun = At least 6 hours of direct sunshine a day.
Part sun = At least 4 – 6 hours of direct sunshine a day, with most of the sunlight coming from the intense afternoon sun.
Part shade = At least 6 hours of direct sunshine a day, with most of the sunlight coming from the less intense morning sun.
Full shade = Less than 4 hours of direct sunshine a day, with most of the sunlight coming from the morning sun.
