French marigold·Perry's Plants
Tagetes patula
French marigold
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Gallery
Care Guide
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (6+ hours); tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates.
WateringWater when the top inch of soil is dry. Keep evenly moist but never soggy; moderately drought-tolerant once established.
SoilWell-drained, moderately fertile soil; sandy or loamy mixes preferred; pH 6.0–7.0.
FertilizerLight feeder. Mix in slow-release fertilizer at planting or use a balanced, diluted feed monthly. Avoid excess nitrogen to prevent leafy growth over blooms.
HumidityAverage ambient humidity; provide airflow to reduce mildew in very humid conditions.
TemperatureWarm-season annual. Ideal 65–85°F (18–29°C); frost sensitive—protect below 50°F (10°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitCompact, bushy, mounded annual with finely divided, aromatic foliage.
Mature Size6–12 in tall and wide (15–30 cm), occasionally to 18 in depending on cultivar.
Growth RateFast-growing from seed to bloom in 6–8 weeks under warm conditions.
BloomingLate spring to frost; abundant single, semi-double, or double flowers in yellow, orange, and red bicolors.
DormancyNo true dormancy; killed by frost.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Softwood cuttings
DifficultyEasy by seed (most common); cuttings moderate.
Best SeasonSpring—sow after last frost outdoors or start indoors 4–6 weeks prior.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRegularly deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering; pinch young tips to encourage branching.
RepottingSeldom needed as it is typically grown as an annual. If container-grown, pot up once if rootbound early in the season.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally resilient. Possible issues: aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, slugs/snails; fungal problems like Botrytis, powdery mildew, and root rot in poor drainage.
ToxicityConsidered non-toxic to pets and people; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Sap can cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals.