Marigolds are commonly known as annual flowers, meaning that they complete their life cycle in one year. However, there are a few varieties of marigolds that can be considered perennials, which means they can live for multiple years. It is important to note that these perennial marigolds are less common and may not be as widely available as the annual varieties.
One reason why marigolds are often classified as annuals is because they tend to be grown as such in many home gardens and landscapes. The annual marigolds are typically sown from seed or purchased as young plants, and they provide vibrant color and beauty throughout the summer season. These marigolds eventually produce seeds, which can scatter and self-seed in the garden, giving the appearance of a perennial plant.
In my personal experience as a gardener, I have often seen marigolds reappear in the same location year after year due to self-seeding. This can lead to the misconception that they are perennials, when in fact, they are just regenerating from their own seeds. This self-seeding behavior is one of the reasons marigolds are popular in many gardens, as they require minimal effort to maintain and can easily fill empty spaces with new plants.
However, it’s worth mentioning that not all marigold varieties have the same tendency to self-seed and return year after year. Some varieties may produce fewer viable seeds or may not adapt well to the specific growing conditions in a particular garden. Therefore, while some marigolds may exhibit a perennial-like behavior, it is more accurate to consider them as self-seeding annuals.
If you specifically desire perennial marigolds in your garden, you may need to seek out the less common perennial varieties. These perennial marigolds can usually be grown from seed or propagated through division or cuttings. They may require specific care and maintenance to ensure their longevity, such as deadheading spent flowers and providing suitable growing conditions.
To summarize, while the majority of marigolds are indeed annuals, there are a few perennial varieties available. The perception of marigolds as perennials may stem from their ability to self-seed and reappear in the garden from year to year. It is important to differentiate between self-seeding annual marigolds and true perennial marigolds when considering their role in your garden or landscape.
