10 Plants That THRIVE in Full Summer Sun

7. Marigold: The Cheerful & Dependable Classic

Ah, Marigolds! If there was ever a flower that just screams “sunny, happy garden,” it’s got to be the Marigold. They’re such a cheerful and dependable classic, aren’t they? I bet a lot of us first encountered them in a grandparent’s garden or maybe even grew them for a school project – they’re just that easy and familiar!

There’s something so reliably upbeat about Marigolds. They’re like little bursts of sunshine dotted around the place, and thankfully for us sun-seekers, they absolutely adore soaking up those rays. They bring such a warm, happy vibe wherever they grow.

Bringing the Sunshine: Why Marigolds Love Sun

No doubt about it, Marigolds are full sun lovers. They need plenty of direct sunlight to produce those famously bright blooms.¹ They’re also well known for their toughness and heat tolerance, making them stalwart performers right through the hottest parts of the summer.² They really are easy summer flowers that you can count on.

One of the great things about them is their adaptability. While they appreciate well-draining soil (like most plants!), they aren’t overly fussy and can handle a range of soil types.³ They’re pretty forgiving, which is always nice! Just give them sun and a bit of water, and they’re usually good to go.

Cheerful Colors & Different Styles

When you think Marigolds, you instantly picture those vibrant, warm colors: bright yellow, sunny orange, and rich gold. They don’t really do subtle, and that’s part of their charm! These colors just pop in the garden and look fantastic against green foliage. Like little drops of pure sunshine.

You’ll generally find two main types kicking around the garden center. There are the French Marigolds, which are usually smaller, bushier plants, often with cute little single or double flowers, sometimes in cool bi-colors (like mahogany and gold).⁴ Then you have the African Marigolds (sometimes called American Marigolds), which tend to be much taller and often boast those big, impressive pom-pom blooms. French types are great for edging paths or tucking into pots, while the taller African types make more of a statement in the back of a border or can even be used as cut flowers.⁵

And you can’t talk about Marigolds without mentioning that distinct scent. Some people aren’t fans, but others find it quite pleasant and earthy. That scent is also linked to one of their most interesting uses…

Easy Care & A Garden Helper

Marigolds are famously easy to grow, often started directly from seed right in the garden after the last frost date.⁶ They’re a perfect first plant for kids or anyone just starting out! Basic care involves regular watering, especially when they’re flowering or during hot, dry weather.

To keep the blooms coming thick and fast, deadheading spent blooms is a really good idea. Just pinch or snip off the old, faded flowers right back to the stem. A little pinching goes a long way to encouraging new buds and keeping the plants looking neat and tidy!

Now, about that scent! Marigolds, especially the French types, have a long history of being used as companion plants in vegetable gardens. Why? Because that pungent scent is thought to deter certain garden pests, both flying insects above ground and tiny critters called nematodes in the soil below ground.⁷ Planting them around your tomatoes, peppers, or beans might just give your veggies a little extra protection! It’s like having a pretty bodyguard for your harvest, which definitely ties into wanting healthy food from the garden. This makes them great companion plants for vegetables and a form of natural pest control.

So, whether you love them for their non-stop cheerful color, their incredible ease of growth, or their potential pest-fighting powers in the veggie patch, Marigolds are a sunny garden staple for so many good reasons. They’re reliable, bright, and just plain happy-making!

Speaking of garden classics, especially for pots and window boxes, are you ready to talk about a plant known for its bold colors and sometimes fuzzy, scented leaves? Click the “next” button below, and let’s dive into the world of Geraniums (the Pelargonium kind!)…