French Marigold Carmen

French Marigold Carmen — variety description

French Marigold Carmen (Tagetes patula) is an annual flower of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). Carmen is a compact, delicate, bushy annual with pinnate leaves divided into serrated, linear or narrowly lanceolate, dark green leaflets.

From late spring to autumn, deep red to deep orange-red flowers, yellow in the centre and often with narrow, yellow petals.

A popular annual for bedding and in groups. Flowers for a long time in bowls and containers on balconies, graves and borders. Also used as an edging for vegetable beds.

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: 84%
• Seeds per packet: 297–403 pcs (1 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: February and March; seedlings or direct
• Flowering: July – October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow French Marigold Carmen

French Marigold Carmen 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 Carmen

• 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 Carmen 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 297–403 seeds, pack size 1 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 84%. 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.