African Marigold Fantastic Orange

African Marigold Fantastic Orange — variety description

African Marigold Fantastic Orange (Tagetes erecta) is an annual flower of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). A decorative annual, 65-100 cm tall, with large orange flowers with slightly twisted petals.

Flowers from early summer until the first frost.

Suitable for flower beds, borders, containers and pots. For best growth, marigolds need full sun and well-drained, medium soil.

The African (tall) marigold produces large, dense pompons in yellow and orange from June until the frosts. Repels nematodes and pests — a good neighbour for vegetables.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 83%
• Seeds per packet: 51–69 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: April and May; seedlings or direct
• Flowering: June – October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow African Marigold Fantastic Orange

African Marigold Fantastic Orange seeds are sown in April and May. The plants flower from June to October. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow African Marigold Fantastic Orange

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 0.5–1 cm
• Spacing: 30–40 cm
• Germination: 5–8 days at 20–25 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Sow seeds on the surface of the compost and cover with a very fine layer of dry vermiculite or finely sieved compost. In a temperate climate, place the seeds in a propagator or seal in a polythene bag and keep at about 21-25°C until the seeds germinate. This will take about 7-21 days. Do not exclude the light, as it helps germination. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them individually into 7.5 cm pots or multi-cell trays. For temperate climates, before planting out, acclimatise the plants to cooler conditions by leaving them outside for a few hours a day for a few weeks. Plant out when all risk of frost has passed, about 30 cm apart.

Sow for seedlings in March–April, or directly after the last frosts. Plant in sun; remove spent flowers for abundant blooms.

Flowering and uses

Excellent for cutting, borders and for planting among tomatoes and cabbages.

Frequently asked questions

When should African Marigold Fantastic Orange be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 51–69 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 83%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Why is the marigold planted next to vegetables?

Its roots release substances that repel soil nematodes, and its scent drives away some pests.