Species French marigold
yellow-orange flowers with green leaves

French marigold

Tagetes patula

The French marigold (Tagetes patula), is a popular garden flower for adding bright and vibrant color. As a tender perennial, it produces a profusion of dainty flower heads in a range of colors including yellow, orange, and mahogany. Growing strong stems, versatile French marigolds can be used in borders, beds, and in containers. A low maintenance variety, French Marigolds have a long blooming season which extends from summer to fall. To keep them looking healthy and vibrant, water regularly and give a trim now and then to encourage more blooms.

Cycle:

Annual

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

2 - 11

Flowers:

Yellow, orange, red and bicolor Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

gold,green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

French marigolds should be watered once a week, or whenever the soil is dry to the touch. They prefer an evenly moist soil, but be careful not to over-water or the roots may start to rot. Watering should be done deeply, and the water should be allowed to drain away. For best results, water the plants early in the morning so that the foliage has time to dry off before nightfall.

sunlight

French marigolds require full sunlight for at least 6 hours per day to thrive. However, they can tolerate partial shade during the hottest part of the day. French marigolds prefer temperatures between 18°C (65°F) and 23°C (74°F). They also require regular watering and moist soil, avoiding soggy conditions. Additionally, they should be given fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.

pruning

For French marigolds (Tagetes patula), regular pruning is recommended. It is best to prune the plants back to 8 to 10 inches when they become leggy or scraggly in mid to late summer. Deadheading spent blooms encourages the plants to send up new flowers and promotes bushy, compact growth. Be sure to sterilize pruning shears in a warm 10% bleach solution to avoid spreading diseases.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

French marigolds typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

French marigolds typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map