Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum)

Photo: AnRo0002CC0via Wikimedia Commons

Corn Marigold Plant Care

Glebionis segetum Fourr.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is easily identifiable by its bright yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom on long stems. Originating from Europe and Asia, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its cheerful appearance and ability to attract pollinators to the garden.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Corn Marigold?

Plant Corn Marigold in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 7a–10b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

What Is the Corn Marigold?

Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Glebionis genus. Corn Marigold is native to Europe, Asia. Corn Marigold is also known as Corn Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum segetum.

Corn Marigold displays an upright, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Corn Marigold produces bright, daisy-like flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Corn Marigold?

Water a young or newly planted Corn Marigold every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Corn Marigold Need?

Corn Marigold thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Corn Marigold Prefer?

Glebionis segetum tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Corn Marigold prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Corn Marigold?

Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Corn Marigold to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Corn Marigold?

Feed Corn Marigold every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Corn Marigold?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil with added compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Corn Marigold is suited to USDA Zone 7a – 10b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Corn Marigold?

Corn Marigold can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Corn Marigold?

Prune Corn Marigold while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Corn Marigold in Winter?

Corn Marigold is hardy down to USDA zone 7a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

How Do You Propagate a Corn Marigold?

Corn Marigold can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african daisy plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Corn Marigold Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Corn Marigold?

Corn Marigold is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Corn Marigold Need?

Corn Marigold grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Corn Marigold is native to Europe, Asia.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 7a – 10b

Keep exploring plants

Corn Marigold is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Glebionis genus — compare its care with other Glebionis species on PlantoScan.

Glebionis is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.

Corn Marigold thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Glebionis segetum Fourr., family Asteraceae (first published in Ann. Soc. Linn. Lyon , sér. 2, 17: 90 (1869)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Corn Marigold is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: AnRo0002, CC0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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