Permapotes

French marigold

French marigold: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar

French marigold (Tagetes patula) is an annual in the Asteraceae family, native to Mexico and Guatemala. Despite some common names, it is distinct from carnations in the genus Dianthus. It is also different from pot marigold, Calendula officinalis, another plant frequently associated with tagetes through everyday names. Its main garden appeal comes from colourful flowering and a generally compact, branching habit.

The leaves are divided into small elongated segments with toothed edges. They give the clump a fine texture that contrasts with the more rounded flower heads. The foliage is aromatic, with a characteristic scent particularly noticeable when it is rubbed. Branching stems carry several leaves and flowers, allowing the plant to display different stages of development at the same time. Height and spread depend on the selection.

What is usually called a marigold flower is a head composed of many small flowers. Single forms show a centre surrounded by outer flowers with spreading rays. Semi-double and double forms have a fuller appearance, sometimes almost globular. These differences change the shape and the visibility of the centre, rather than each flower form necessarily representing a separate species. Looking closely reveals the structure behind the familiar bloom.

Colours include yellow, orange and red or reddish brown tones, often combined in bicoloured patterns. A pale edge may contrast with a darker area towards the centre of the rays. Bolero, Golden Boy and Bonanza Deep Orange are among selections of Tagetes patula. The cultivar name helps specify the desired colour and habit, rather than assuming all marigolds have exactly the same appearance.

This annual completes its cycle of growth, flowering and seed formation within a season. Flowering may continue until cold weather, depending on variety and conditions. A new plant arising from seed represents another generation. French marigolds consequently belong among seasonal flowers, distinct from perennials that persist for several years as the same individual plant.

In a garden, their habit suits borders, beds and pots. Warm colours contrast with vegetable foliage and bring flowers into the kitchen garden. The heads may interest visiting insects, but the presence of marigolds does not guarantee protection of tomatoes or other crops against every pest. Their decorative value rests primarily on their own foliage and flowers.

French marigold
French marigold
Characteristics
  • Lifecycle : Annual
  • Exposure : Full Sun
  • Frost Hardiness : Frost Sensitive
  • Cultivation Difficulty : Easy
  • Mature height : 30 cm
Sowing & Planting
  • Greenhouse Growing : Not Required
  • Plant Spacing : 25 cm
  • Row Spacing : 25 cm
Maintenance
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Water Requirements : Moderate
Other characteristics
  • Soil Type : Humus-rich
  • Soil pH Preference : Neutral
  • Pollination : Insect-pollinated
  • Propagation : Sowing