French marigold 'Durango Tangerine'

Likes moderately fertile, well-drained soil and lots of sunshine ¹. If the spent blossoms are deadheaded, the plants will continue to bloom profusely. Do not fertilize marigolds. Too rich a diet stimulates lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Marigolds bloom better and more profusely in poor soil ¹.

Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that Durango Tangerine is thought of as half hardy, so it will need cloching or fleece protection when the temperature dips.

Sow them directly into the garden once the soil is warm, or start seeds indoors about a month to 6 weeks before the last spring-frost date ¹.

Look to ensure a distance 1.95 inches (5.0 cm) between seeds when sowing - bury at a depth of at least 0.23 inches (0.6 cm) deep. Soil temperature should be kept higher than 15°C / 59°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Durango Tangerine about 49 days before your last frost date.

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Durango Tangerine is a half hardy plant.

In the late 1960s, Burpee president David Burpee launched an energetic campaign to have marigolds named the national flower, but in the end, roses won out ¹.

¹ Marigolds on the Almanac