The aromatic marigold is a favorite summer annual for sunny spots. Marigolds are appreciated for their non-stop bloom from early summer until late fall. The shorter dwarf varieties are much sturdier than the taller African marigolds.
Dwarf French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are compact, bushy plants which reach up to 12 inches and have flowers 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The flowers may be single, double, crested or tufted, and come in shades of yellow, gold, orange and mahogany-red. The bi-colors, which have contrasting colors on the edges, are sometimes called "brocades".
Marigolds require moist well-drained soil and full sun. Plant the dwarf marigold varieties 6 inches apart. Keep plants deadheaded to encourage new blooms.
Marigolds are native to Mexico. The French marigold is so called because the French developed new hybrids of Tagetes patula.
The Disco series is 8-10 inches and free-flowering. The Little Hero series is an early blooming crested-type with large (up to 2 1/2 inches) flowers.
Marigolds are useful as bedding plants and for containers. The dwarf varieties in particular make excellent edging plants. When planted in masses they provide brilliant color.
Marigolds suffer few problems from pests or disease. In fact, French marigolds are often planted near vegetables to fend off root-knot nematode.
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