Sparky Mix French Marigold Flower. 300+ Seeds
Sparky Mix French Marigold Seeds (Tagetes patula) are vibrant flowers that bloom in a mix of gold, orange, red, and yellow, growing to about 12-14 inches tall. They are easy to grow, attract pollinators, and can help control insect pests in vegetable gardens.
Latin Name: Tagetes patula
Species Origin: Introduced US Flower
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Annual
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 8,500
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 12 Inches
Color: Mixed, Red, Orange, Yellow
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Uses: Cut Flowers
Also useful for control of insect pests in the vegetable garden.
Sowing: Plant directly in the spring, just beneath the soil's surface. Keep the soil slightly moist until you see germination. You can also start this plant indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost; these Tagetes Patula seeds thrive in high humidity and around 70 degrees F. Germination typically happens within 5-10 days.
Growing: Water the seedlings occasionally until they’re established; mature plants can handle some drought, but giving them water during particularly dry spells will boost their blooms. Pinch back the growing stems to promote bushiness. Deadheading will encourage ongoing blooming. This plant draws in bees and butterflies, and it can self-seed under good conditions. It’s a fantastic option for borders or container gardening.
Harvesting: For cut flowers, select stems with flowers that have just opened. Remove any foliage that will be submerged in water, and place them in water right away.
Seed Saving: Let the flowers drop their petals and form spiky seed heads. When they’re ripe, the heads will turn brown or dark brown and can be easily broken apart to expose the narrow, sharp Tagetes Patula seeds. Take the ripe seed heads and lay them out to dry away from direct sunlight. Once they’re fully dried, break apart the heads to separate the seeds from the husk. Store the cleaned, spiky French marigold seeds in a cool, dry location.
