Floral Face-Off: Marigolds vs. Chrysanthemums

September 11, 2024

Your Go-To Porch Flowers for Fall

Marigolds battle it out with Chrysanthemums for best Fall Flowers

Gather round Grovers, because today we're digging into a floral face-off that's sure to ruffle some petals: marigolds vs. chrysanthemums. Both are popular choices for fall gardens and porch decor, but Ostara's Grove is here to put the final nail in that proverbial coffin. In our book, marigolds take the crown. So, grab your pumpkin spice latte and let's shovel on. 

Hardiness and Resilience

Marigolds are a tough cookie with a long history of tolerating cooler fall temps and even light frosts. While chrysanthemums might start to wilt at the first sign of a chill, marigolds soldier on, keeping your porches perky and your gardens full. Plus, marigolds are drought-resistance and don't require much pampering, making them a wonderful low-maintenance porch plant.

Pest and Disease Resistance

One of the biggest perks of marigolds is their natural pest-repellent properties. These flowers are excellent at keeping unwanted pests at bay. Chrysanthemums, on the other hand, can be a bit more high-maintenance when it comes to pest control. That's why, for our small flower farm, we choose Marigolds every time.

Continuous Blooms

Marigolds are the gift that keep on giving. They bloom continuously from summer through fall, providing a constant splash of color for minimum effort. Chrysanthemums, while beautiful, tend to have a shorter blooming period, leaving your garden yearning for more during our short growing season.

Versatility in Garden Design

Marigolds come in a variety of sizes and colors, making them incredibly versatile for garden design. Whether you're looking to create a bold border or a subtle accent, there's a marigold for that!
Meanwhile, Chrysanthemums don't offer quite the same options. Besides, have you ever seen marigolds paired with pumpkins and gourds? You can't tell me there's a more perfect Fall flower for your seasonal display.
I mean... you could, but I wouldn't believe you.

Ease of Care

Let's be real here – nobody wants a high-maintenance flower. It's hard enough keeping the low-maintenance ones alive, even without a full-time job distracting you from their care. With one? Forget about it! So skip the fuss with an incredibly easy to care for marigold. They don't require deadheading to keep flowering, which means less work for you! Chrysanthemums, on the other hand, often require regular deadheading to stay looking their best.
If you're looking for a flower that will thrive with minimal effort, marigolds are the way to go. Seriously. I planted mine in June and left them alone entirely. I think I watered them maybe once. They're doing great!


While chrysanthemums have their charm and have long reigned as the fall flower, marigolds are the true star of the fall garden. Their hardiness, pest resistance, continuous blooms, versatility, and ease of care make them the ultimate choice for autumn. So next time you're planning your fall garden or porch decor, skip the box store chrysanthemums and give marigolds a chance to shine. Trust us, you won't be disappointed.

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Rebekkah, owner of Ostara's Grove Vermont Flower Farm and Pumpkin Patch

Rebekkah grew up the middle child of three sisters in California. At 12, she and her sisters were separated, and she went to live with an aunt and uncle in Washington State. It was there that her love of floriculture blossomed. Her high school offered a Horticulture class, where she became the Floral Manager for the small-scale floral business within. That was all it took for Rebekkah to decide she wanted to one day own her own floral shop.


Unbeknownst to her then, this dream would be a journey that would take her across the country. Today, Rebekkah finds herself in a quaint Vermont town, living her dream with her three adorable cats and her supportive fiancé by her side. Her love for floriculture has blossomed into Ostara's Grove.


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