The marigolds are still in the greenhouse about 6inches tall with a flower bud.
You don't have to pinch out the new buds to encourage branching. As the plant grows, stems can be pinched back at any time to promote branching. Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
Here is more info below:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/marigold/growing-marigold-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/pinching-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/marigold/deadheading-marigold-plants.htm
Good Day to you! I just want to ask how to deal with the black spots I see on the leaves and flowers of my marigold plant? Do I have to replace the soil where my marigold is planted at?
Replacing the soil can help, but you can treat the soil with DOLIMITIC LIME and WETTABLE SULFUR. These two when used in combination according to the instructions will help cure infections in the soil.
If possible, try and let it dry pretty well between waterings to avoid this in the future.
I've grown this marigold from a seed. Until recently it was growing all well and then suddenly I noticed the new leaves from the center slowed down. I checked for bugs but couldn't find any and then a few days back it started shooting up again but this time all the fresh leaves were all crooked and disfigured. Any clue why this must've happened?
I notice that it is in heavy clay soil, and in container. This will be a no-go.
Clay soil cannot be used in container, because it is too heavy. It will suffocate the roots, and lead to eventual rotting and death.
There is no good way to deal with this situation once it is already potted. A fungicide may help, but the ultimate problem is still there.
Here is an article that will help you with fungicide use:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
The next time that you plant, I would recommend adding potting soil to the clay, or avoiding the clay completely.
A mix of potting soil and garden soil or compost will be best. Alternatively, you can build your own compost. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/ultimate-beginners-guide-composting.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/category/composting/ingredients
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/the-importance-of-soil-for-an-organic-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/improving-garden-soil.htm
This article will help you to care for Marigolds:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/marigold/growing-marigolds-in-containers.htm
I saved my marigold seeds as I always do. In a paper bag in the basement. When I got ready to plant, there was a lot of orange color in the bag...not just black seeds! I went ahead and planted them. Will they produce flowers, or are they ruined?
Seeds that have become wet and may have partially germinated are not likely to be successful planted into the garden.
I would recommend tossing them and purchasing new seeds.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/marigold/planting-marigold-seeds.htm
Can I replant marigold seeds in the same season and if so once the dry out which end goes up in the soil?
As long as your climate remains warm, you can replant at just about any time.
The best way to plant will be to lay the seed on its side, instead of end up.
Here is an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/marigold/planting-marigold-seeds.htm
My poor beans have been getting attacked by hungry critters stunting their growth. Before I construct a fence with chicken wire, would planting a few marigolds help protect them?
It can help from insect damage but will not stop any other creature from eating them. Both methods can help, since chicken wire will not prevent insect damage.
I would use both methods in combination to control the issue at hand.
I just created two planters made up of several different flowers- marigolds, blue my minds, and the taller plant in the middle (not sure what it is). I am in Florida and these are on my porch so they get about a half days worth of sun. I used soil that the garden center recommended. All of the plants look wilted and sad. I've watered them every other day. What do I need to do to revive these plants?
I would think in Florida and in shallow pots they need to be watered every day. Do those pots have drainage holes? If not, their roots may be suffering. You can always put them in pots with drainage, then set them inside the outer container. But remove them to water.
Also, Blue My Mind and the marigolds prefer full sun.
I would check for those conditions. And good luck!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/marigold/growing-marigolds-in-containers.htm