French Marigold: Tagetes patula

Native to Mexico and Guatemala, this plant was brought back to Europe by explorers in the 16th gaining popularity, especially in France.

This annual flower grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Low mounding plants grow up to 18" tall. Blooms in cheerful shades of yellow, orange, and red all summer. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant.

Direct sow seed into the garden after the last frost date, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Space seeds 18-24" apart and cover with ¼" of soil. Deadhead to prolong flowering. Seeds germinate in 10-14 days at soil temperatures between 68-70°F. USDA Zones 2-11.