Sale Sold out

Marsh marigold

Name: Marsh marigold
Brand: Akène
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name Marsh Marigold

Latin name Caltha palustris

Quantity per packet Minimum 75 Seeds

This native perennial supports biodiversity by providing nectar and pollen early in spring when floral resources are scarce. It is also one of the best plants for greening difficult wet sites.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameMarsh Marigold

Latin nameCaltha palustris

FamilyRanunculaceae

TypeNative perennial

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 75 Seeds

Code produitAKENE-0063

Product
description

Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) is a beautiful native wetland perennial that lights up the garden in the earliest days of spring. Its large golden-yellow flowers appear very early in the season, often before most other perennials have begun active growth. This brilliant bloom brings luminous color to rain gardens, riparian plantings, and landscapes inspired by Canada’s natural wetlands. Beyond its ornamental beauty, Marsh Marigold provides important nectar and pollen for early pollinators when food sources are still limited.

Naturally adapted to moist and waterlogged soils, Marsh Marigold thrives in organic-rich sites where moisture is abundant. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and is one of the best choices for planting difficult wet areas where many other perennials struggle. Its glossy dark green foliage remains decorative after flowering, creating attractive contrast with other wetland plants. Hardy and long-lived, Caltha palustris returns reliably year after year with very little maintenance when its moisture needs are respected.

Ideal for rain gardens, vegetated swales, pond edges, and ecological restoration projects, Marsh Marigold helps stabilize moist soils while supporting biodiversity. It pairs beautifully with Northern Blue Flag Iris, Cardinal Flower, Sedges, and Water Avens to create natural wetland plantings rich in color and wildlife value. Its brilliant early spring bloom and strong ecological benefits make it an essential perennial for sustainable gardens inspired by Canada’s native landscapes.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodAutumn or spring after soaking and cold stratification

Best time

Autumn or spring

Sowing depth3 mm (0.1 in)

Spacing / density

30 cm (12 in)

Germination temperature15 to 18 °C (59 to 64 °F)

Germination time30 to 60 days

Propagation

Propagate primarily by seed after cold stratification or by dividing mature clumps in spring. Both methods establish vigorous new colonies quickly.

Growing
method

Sow Marsh Marigold seeds in autumn or spring after soaking followed by cold stratification to improve germination. Plant the seeds about 3 mm (0.1 in) deep in a rich growing medium that remains consistently moist. Maintain temperatures between 15 and 18°C (59 to 64°F), with germination typically occurring within 30 to 60 days. Young plants thrive in cool, moist conditions before being transplanted into humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. This native perennial excels in rain gardens, vegetated swales, pond margins, and riparian landscapes.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun to partial shade

Soil

Humus-rich loam to clay, moist to waterlogged soil. This species thrives in fertile soils that retain moisture and tolerates temporary flooding.

Soil pHAcidic to neutral

Watering

Consistent watering is essential because this species thrives in constantly moist to waterlogged soils. Never allow the growing medium to dry out completely, especially during establishment.

Fertilization

A yearly application of well-rotted compost in spring is generally sufficient to maintain vigorous growth. Additional fertilization is rarely necessary in rich organic soils.

Care levelModerate

In spring, remove winter debris and apply a light layer of compost around the plants. During summer, keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather. After flowering, allow the foliage to continue growing so the plant can replenish its energy reserves. In autumn, a light mulch helps conserve soil moisture. Once established in an appropriate site, Marsh Marigold requires very little maintenance.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

20 to 30 L (5 to 8 gal)

Marsh Marigold can be grown successfully in deep containers that retain the constant moisture this wetland species requires. Use a rich, organic growing medium that remains evenly moist at all times. Place containers in full sun to partial shade and never allow the soil to dry completely. Container growing makes it easy to enjoy this beautiful native perennial on patios while supporting early-season pollinators.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its brilliant golden flowers illuminate wet gardens in early spring when few other plants are blooming. This native perennial also stabilizes moist soils while supporting early pollinators.

This native perennial supports biodiversity by providing nectar and pollen early in spring when floral resources are scarce. It is also one of the best plants for greening difficult wet sites.

Garden use

Marsh Marigold is perfect for rain gardens, vegetated swales, natural ponds, and riparian plantings. Its brilliant yellow flowers provide outstanding early-season color when few other perennials are in bloom. This native species helps stabilize moist soils while supporting a rich diversity of beneficial insects. It blends naturally into ecological restoration projects and landscapes inspired by Canada's native wetlands.

Bloom period

Large brilliant yellow flowers bloom very early in spring, brightening wet gardens while providing an essential nectar source for early pollinators.

Flower colorGolden yellow

Foliage colorDark green

Harvest

The main ornamental display extends from May through June as seeds mature after flowering. The attractive foliage remains decorative for much of the growing season in moist soils.

Fruiting

Seed capsules containing numerous seeds that naturally renew established colonies.

Wildlife appealBees and pollinators

Size
and facts

Height20 to 60 cm (8 to 24 in)

Spread30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-40°C (-40°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Résistant aux cerfstrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Northern Blue Flag Iris, Water Avens, Cardinal Flower, Bristly Sedge

Avoid planting with

Lavender, Cotton Lavender, Blanket Flower, Sedum

Recipe
and inspiration

Marsh Marigold is not generally grown for culinary purposes because the fresh plant contains irritating compounds. Its greatest value lies in its spectacular early spring bloom, which brightens wet gardens and provides one of the earliest nectar sources for beneficial insects. It is especially prized for rain gardens, natural wetlands, and ecological landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Marsh Marigold seeds? +

Marsh Marigold seeds can be sown in autumn to benefit naturally from winter conditions or in spring after cold stratification. This treatment greatly improves germination and mimics the plant's natural life cycle.

Why does Marsh Marigold prefer wet soils? +

Marsh Marigold is naturally adapted to marshes, wetlands, ditches, and streambanks. Its root system thrives in consistently moist to waterlogged soils where many other perennials cannot survive.

Can Marsh Marigold be planted in a rain garden? +

Yes. Marsh Marigold is one of the best native plants for rain gardens, riparian landscapes, and other wet sites where it stabilizes soil while providing brilliant spring color.

Which pollinators visit Marsh Marigold flowers? +

Its flowers attract numerous native bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects, providing an important source of nectar and pollen early in the growing season.

Is Marsh Marigold easy to grow? +

Once established in consistently moist soil, Marsh Marigold requires very little maintenance. It returns reliably every spring and gradually forms attractive natural colonies.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.