Marigolds never go out of style! Add extra sparkle to the garden with these majestic blooms in tangerine orange, rich gold, and lemony yellow - they will brighten up your flower bed, path edges, and large container plantings. The compact, bushy plants grow quickly and easily from seed, and are sure to please! If you want a gorgeous flowering marigold, this is a superior variety with a mounding form, consistent height, and sturdy flower stalks. They make radiant long-lasting cut flowers and are easy to grow from seed. For a dazzling contrast, plant next to blue or dark purple flowers such as Salvia, Bachelor Button, or Hollyhock. Deer resistant.
Though native to Mexico and Central America, these flowers spread to Europe with explorers and became popular as ornamental plants. Because of their beauty, they often adorned statues of Mary, resulting in the common name "Mary's gold." Gardeners often use this species as a companion plant for vegetables, since it prevents disease and harmful pests. The genus name "Tagetes" comes from Tages, an ancient deity who sprung up from the ground.The species name "patula" comes from the Latin word for "spreading wide," referring to the opening blossoms.
~ planting ~
Direct sow in spring, planting just below the surface of the soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. This plant can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost of spring; these seeds germinate best in high humidity and temperatures around 70 degrees F. Germination usually occurs within 5-10 days.
~ growing ~
Water seedlings occasionally until they become established; mature plants tolerate some drought, though watering them in especially dry weather will increase their bloom. Pinch back the growing stems to encourage bushiness. Deadheading will cause continued blooming. This plant attracts bees and butterflies, and will self-seed in good growing conditions. It makes an excellent choice for a border plant or for growing in containers.
~ harvesting ~
For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.
