FrostCal

When to Plant Marigolds in Michigan

In a typical Michigan location, start seeds indoors Mar 19 – Apr 2, then transplant outdoors May 7 – May 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Port Huron and as late as May 26 in Cadillac.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 45–60 days

Frost-tender; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplant after all frost danger has passed.

Marigolds Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
DetroitMar 10 – Mar 24Apr 28 – May 5
Grand RapidsMar 25 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
WarrenMar 10 – Mar 24Apr 28 – May 5
Sterling HeightsMar 19 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
Ann ArborMar 24 – Apr 7May 12 – May 19
LansingMar 20 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
Clinton TownshipMar 19 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
FlintMar 25 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
DearbornMar 16 – Mar 30May 4 – May 11
LivoniaMar 20 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
CantonMar 13 – Mar 27May 1 – May 8
TroyMar 15 – Mar 29May 3 – May 10
WestlandMar 9 – Mar 23Apr 27 – May 4
Farmington HillsMar 20 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
KalamazooMar 17 – Mar 31May 5 – May 12
WaterfordMar 18 – Apr 1May 6 – May 13
WyomingMar 25 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
ShelbyMar 15 – Mar 29May 3 – May 10
Rochester HillsMar 15 – Mar 29May 3 – May 10
SouthfieldMar 20 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
West Bloomfield TownshipMar 18 – Apr 1May 6 – May 13
TaylorMar 9 – Mar 23Apr 27 – May 4
PontiacMar 15 – Mar 29May 3 – May 10
Saint Clair ShoresMar 18 – Apr 1May 6 – May 13
Royal OakMar 10 – Mar 24Apr 28 – May 5
NoviMar 20 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
Dearborn HeightsMar 20 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
Battle CreekMar 19 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
KentwoodMar 25 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
RedfordMar 20 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15

Showing the 30 most populous of 120 Michigan cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Michigan cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant marigolds in Michigan?

In a typical Michigan location, start seeds indoors Mar 19 – Apr 2, then transplant outdoors May 7 – May 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Port Huron and as late as May 26 in Cadillac.

When is the last frost in Michigan?

The average last spring frost in Michigan ranges from April 19 in Port Huron to May 19 in Cadillac, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do marigolds take to grow?

Marigolds typically take 45–60 days from planting to harvest. Frost-tender; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplant after all frost danger has passed.

Other Crops in Michigan

When to plant marigolds in other states

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