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When to plant Marigolds in Marshall County, KS

Marshall County's spring Marigolds window runs April 29 through May 20. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.

When to Plant Marigolds in Marshall County, KS

Marigolds (Tagetes patula) are warm-season annuals beloved for their cheerful orange, yellow, and red blooms — and for their well-documented ability to repel pest nematodes in vegetable beds. Easy from seed, drought-tolerant once established, and bloom from early summer until the first hard frost.

Marshall County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.

At an elevation of 840 feet, Marshall County receives approximately 22.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Marigolds to ensure they mature before fall.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Marshall County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
175 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
175 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Marshall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Marigolds

Marigolds needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Marigolds Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Marshall County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Marigolds Planting Timeline — Marshall County, KS

Marigolds Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 – May 13
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 – May 20
Bloom June 24 Jun 24 – Sep 23

Plant 0.3" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

175 days in Marshall County

Growing Tips for Marshall County

Direct-sow after last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier. Deadhead spent blooms to keep new flowers coming. French marigolds (T. patula) are the most reliable nematode repellents — plant a band around vegetable beds. Tolerate poor soil but bloom best with monthly compost.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Beans
  • Cabbage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Marigolds Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Let flower heads dry on plant. Pull dried petals to reveal seeds.
Storage Store in envelopes; viable 3 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Very easy to save. Seeds are the long, thin, dark pieces inside the dried flower head.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Marigolds in Marshall County, KS?

Marshall County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Marigolds planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marshall County, KS?

Marshall County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 14.

When should I plant Marigolds in Marshall County, KS?

In Marshall County, KS, plant Marigolds after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Marshall County, KS for Marigolds?

Marshall County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Marigolds grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Marigolds grow in Marshall County's climate?

Yes — Marigolds grows well in Marshall County's temperate climate. Marshall County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 14.

🌱

Your Marshall County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Marshall County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Marshall County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.