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These flowers are the spendthrifts among annuals, bringing a wealth of gold, copper, and brass into our summer and autumn gardens. The flower’s popularity probably derives in part from its ability to bloom for so long. Marigolds are a cheerful, easy-to-grow annual plant with daisy- or carnation-like flower heads that are produced singly or in clusters. Although there are some 50 species, most marigolds we see in the garden are one of the following. Sow seeds directly into the garden once the soil is warm in the spring. You can start seeds indoors, but they germinate so easily outside that there’s really no advantage. The exception is African marigolds, which are best bought as young plants or started indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date.