Quick Guide: summer/autumn, half hardy, full sun, height: 15cm-45cm/6-18in, width: 15-45cm/6-18in
Tagetes patula, the French marigold, is in fact a native of Mexico. Various strains produce flowers of yellow and orange, sometimes blotched with crimson or bronze, some with double flowers. Very long-lived, they add a bright note to the border and make good cut flowers.
PROPAGATION Sow seeds under protection in early spring and prick the seedlings out into boxes when they are large enough to handle. Harden off before planting out in late spring. Pinch out any premature flowerbuds. Seeds may be sown directly into the flowering site in late spring.
GROWING Marigolds are not fussy about soil, but like a sunny, open site. Dead-head regularly to encourage continued flowering. Discard at the end of the season.
VARIETIES Of the many good named varieties, try `Naughty Marietta', yellow, blotched maroon; 'Monarch Mixed', compact double flowers ranging in colour from yellow to deep mahogany; `Queen Sophia' syn. `Scarlet Sophia', double flowers, russet-red laced with gold. T. patula is crossed with T. erecta to give Afro-French hybrids such as `Suzie Wong' which are compact and early flowering.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Damp weather may cause grey mould.
