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Annual BiennialBedding

Tagetes patula
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

French marigold

A compact, bushy annual to 30cm tall and wide with aromatic, deeply-divided leaves and single or double flowerheads in shades of yellow, orange, red or brown from summer into early autumn

Other common names
spreading tagetes
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Orange Red Brown Green
Autumn Yellow Orange Red Brown Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Tagetes can be annuals or perennials of upright growth, with strongly aromatic pinnately divided leaves and showy daisy-like, single or double flower-heads in summer and autumn

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Water freely in dry spells

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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