When Should You Plant Marigolds?
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GardenSays
Sow marigolds outside May 5 – May 12 — after frost danger passes and soil has warmed to ~65°F.
- Sow from
- May 5 – May 12
- Last frost (typ.)
- May 5
Marigolds are frost-tender and germinate poorly in cold, wet ground — unlike peas or lettuce, you wait until AFTER the last frost (May 5) and until the soil warms. Sowing too early into cold spring soil rots the seed. The safe window in Minneapolis, MN opens around May 5.
Do this this week
- 1.The main sowing window closed May 12
Calculated result · 3 verified sources · Checked 2026-07-18 · How we decide
Why
Sow through the warm months; marigolds stop producing once nights turn cold.
- Warm-season crops need warm soil to germinate: cold, wet spring ground causes seed rot and poor stands, which is why they go in after frost, not before.
- Days-to-maturity versus your frost-free season sets how late you can keep sowing.
When this doesn't apply
- Blooms until frost. Direct-seed once soil reaches 65F, or set out larger transplants once frost danger has passed.
- A cold snap after sowing can still kill seedlings — hold off if a late frost is forecast, even inside the window.
How this was calculated
- 1. Last spring frostMay 5Source guidance
Minneapolis, MN: typical (50% probability) last 32°F frost
- 2. First sowing windowMay 5 – May 12Calculated result
Marigold is frost-tender — sow only after frost danger passes AND soil has warmed to ~65°F (0-7 days after the last frost)
Data sources
- University of Minnesota Extension — Marigolds — Marigolds can be direct seeded once soil temperatures reach 65F. Larger transplants can be planted when danger of frost is gone. Seeds can be started indoors about 10 weeks prior to the anticipated outdoor planting date. Full sun for blooms all season, up until frost. (checked 2026-07-18)
- NOAA NCEI — 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals (freeze date probabilities) (checked 2026-07-15)
- National Gardening Association — frost date lookup (checked 2026-07-15)
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