Marigolds are one of the most inexpensive annuals to buy and one of the easiest to care for. Once planted, a marigold will grow new foliage and continue to produce its signature orange or yellow flowers throughout the season. When a flower dies and dries out, it can be collected and saved for seeds, which can be reused next season. Deadheading the flowers will help the plant stay productive throughout the season.

The color of marigold flowers ranges from pale yellow to deep rust, and the blossoms themselves vary in size and appearance. The foliage is dark green and has delicate, lace-like leaves. Because marigolds will not grow very tall, they can be used as a "filler" for flowerbeds in between taller plants.

The bad news about marigolds is that unlike geraniums and lobelia, marigolds are truly annuals. Their lifetime supposedly cannot be extended by bringing them indoors during the winter. I haven't tried doing so myself, but everything I have read confirms that they only last for one life cycle.

Marigolds need lots of sunlight but will tolerate partial shade. They withstand moderately dry conditions but will rot in swampy soil. As far as insects are concerned, marigolds are practically indestructible. They should never need to be sprayed with insecticide.

In fact, the scent of the marigold plants is enough to drive insects away from other plants, such as tomatoes. A tomato plant should always be surrounded by as many marigolds as possible. Such an arrangement looks especially attractive in a large planter. The tomato may still need some other measure of insect control, but the marigolds will help.

Seeds from last year's flowers can be started indoors during the early spring months. The seedlings will need lots of light, so place them in a south or west window if you can. Otherwise, it may be necessary to supplement with fluorescent light. Plant your marigolds after the danger of frost has passed. If the weather takes a sudden turn and you expect a cold night, water the ground thoroughly and cover plants with a blanket in the late afternoon to hold in the heat. Of course potted plants can be brought indoors during inclement weather.

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