How to Grow Marigold in New Zealand
Plant around tomatoes and beans to help deter nematodes and whitefly. A reliable, long-flowering bedding annual right through the warm months in Auckland.
When to plant marigold in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, October, November, December |
Best marigold varieties for NZ
- French Marigold (Tagetes patula) — The standard small bushy marigold — orange, yellow, red bicolours. Strongest nematode-deterrent root action. (Yates NZ, Mr Fothergill's NZ, Mitre 10)
- African / Mexican (Tagetes erecta) — Tall 60–90cm plants with large pompom blooms. Showier, less pest-deterrent but big visual impact. (Yates NZ, Mr Fothergill's NZ, Mitre 10)
- Signet Marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia) — Ferny foliage with small edible lemon-scented flowers. Great kitchen garden companion. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Sparky Mix — Compact French crested mix in flame colours. Reliable germinator, neat border plant. (Mr Fothergill's NZ, Yates NZ)
- Crackerjack — Tall African type in golds and oranges. Cut-flower length stems. Bunnings racks in spring. (Yates NZ, Mitre 10)
How to grow marigold
- Space plants about 25cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 50 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 8 days.
Companion planting
Grow marigold near: Tomato, Beans, Capsicum, Eggplant, Cucumber, Zucchini, Pumpkin.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Spider mite. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Marigold plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant marigold in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy marigold seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Yates NZ, Mr Fothergill's NZ, Mitre 10.