How to prune marigold

Deadhead throughout the growing season as flowers fade; pinch tips at planting if desired. Snap or cut spent flower heads off at the base of their stem, just above the nearest leaf or bud. For tall African marigolds, pinch the central growing tip at planting to encourage side shoots and a sturdier, bushier plant.

Deadhead every 5–7 days throughout the season. Marigolds flower heavily with regular deadheading. Remove spent blooms as they fade to prevent seed set and encourage continuous flowering from early summer through frost. Plants are naturally bushy and need no structural pruning. Pinching tips at planting can encourage a more compact habit on tall African (Tagetes erecta) varieties.

Snap or cut spent flower heads off at the base of their stem, just above the nearest leaf or bud. For tall African marigolds, pinch the central growing tip at planting to encourage side shoots and a sturdier, bushier plant.