French Marigold Fiesta Maroon

French Marigold Fiesta Maroon — variety description

French Marigold Fiesta Maroon (Tagetes patula) is an annual flower of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). This stunning marigold has brown flowers with orange/yellow petal edges.

A French bicolour marigold that flowers for long periods and grows only to about 60 cm, a great option for a long-lasting display of colour.

The plants release special substances into the soil that repel soil nematodes. We therefore recommend growing them among other plants, especially vegetables.

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: 80%
• Pack size: 0.9 g
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: February and March; seedlings or direct
• Flowering: July – October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow French Marigold Fiesta Maroon

French Marigold Fiesta Maroon 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 Fiesta Maroon

• 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 Fiesta Maroon be sown?

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

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 80%. 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.