French Marigold Athos

French Marigold Athos: variety and characteristics

French Marigold Athos (Tagetes patula) is an annual flower of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). This marigold variety originates from Mexico and arrived in Europe in the 16 century.

It is thought to have entered England with the Huguenots fleeing the St Bartholomew's Day massacre in 1572.

Grows to 35 cm tall with 3-5 cm flowers in shades from yellow to red.

The French marigold (tagetes) is one of the easiest and hardiest summer flowers: compact, flowering without a break from June until the frosts, and repelling pests in the vegetable garden.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 83%
• Seeds per packet: 119–161 pcs (0.4 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: February and March; seedlings or direct
• Flowering: July – October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow French Marigold Athos

French Marigold Athos seeds are sown in February and March. The plants flower from July 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 French Marigold Athos

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

Marigolds are among the easiest plants to grow from seed. They can be sown directly outdoors or in starter pots 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. If starting indoors, sow at a depth of 1/16 below the soil surface, in peat pots. Sowing depth: 3mm. Germination usually takes 7-21 days. Transplant or sow directly outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Note that marigold seeds need a little direct light to germinate properly. Do not cover more than the recommended sowing depth mentioned above.

Sow for seedlings in March–April or directly after mid-May. Undemanding about soil and tolerates drought; remove spent flowers.

Flowering and uses

Ideal for borders, balcony boxes and between vegetables as natural protection.

Frequently asked questions

When should French Marigold Athos be sown?

The recommended sowing months are February and March. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 119–161 seeds, pack size 0.4 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.

How quickly do tagetes flower?

About 8–10 weeks after sowing; flowers continuously until the first frosts.

Is it suitable for a balcony?

Yes – the low-growing varieties are ideal for window boxes and pots in the sun.