French Marigold Tagetes patula 'Disco Orange' (Disco Series)
ABOUT
Tagetes patula 'Disco Orange', commonly known as French marigold from the Disco Series, is characterized by its showy and vibrant flowers. These blooms are a fiery orange color, giving the plant a warm and energetic appearance. The petals typically have a plush, velvety texture and are often found to display a fine mix of deeper orange hues and yellow edges, resembling the mesmerizing flames of a disco inferno. This French marigold's flowers are distinctively pompon-like, made up of a dense arrangement of overlapping petals that create a semi-double to double flower form. The plant itself has a bushy and robust growth habit, with deep green foliage that offsets the orange brilliance of the flowers. Leaves are often finely dissected, giving them a lacey appearance and contain oils that may be fragrant when brushed or crushed. Its bloom period lasts from early summer until the first frost, during which time the plant continuously produces fresh flowers to replace the old ones. These mounds of color and foliage create a festive and eye-catching display, making the French marigold 'Disco Orange' a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a pop of color to their flower beds, borders, and containers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
French Marigold, Disco Orange Marigold
Common names
Tagetes patula 'Disco Orange'
ToxicityTo humans
French marigold is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction if they are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. Ingesting large amounts of the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but it is not commonly associated with severe toxicity or poisoning in humans.
To pets
French marigold is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed on common toxic plant databases for dogs and cats. However, as with any plant, ingestion in large quantities could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in some pets, though this is not common. It is always advisable to prevent pets from ingesting plants, as individual sensitivities can vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Color: Adds a pop of bright orange color to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: A hardy plant that is relatively low-maintenance and easy for beginners.
- Pest Deterrent: Can help deter certain insects and nematodes from the garden naturally.
- Extended Blooming: Has a long blooming season, providing color from early summer to fall.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers draw in beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
- Compact Growth: Suitable for small spaces, borders, and containers due to its size.
- Landscape Versatility: Works well in mixed beds, borders, and as a mass planting for visual impact.
- Erosion Control: Can help stabilize soil in garden beds or sloped areas.
Medical Properties- Antifungal activity: Tagetes patula has been reported to have antifungal properties against certain strains of fungi, which could be beneficial in treating fungal infections.
- Antibacterial properties: The plant may possess compounds that are capable of inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria, making it potentially useful as a source of antibacterial agents.
- Antioxidant capacity: It contains compounds that can act as antioxidants. These substances help to neutralize free radicals in the body, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Nematicidal effects: Its extracts have been shown to have activity against certain nematodes, which might be applicable in managing parasitic infections caused by these organisms.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chicken feed additive: Tagetes is added to feed to enhance the color of egg yolks and chicken skin due to its high lutein content.
- Natural dye: The flowers of the French marigold are used to produce a natural dye for textiles and food products, imparting a yellow, orange, or red hue.
- Insect repellent sachets: Dried flowers can be placed in sachets to repel moths and other insects from closets and drawers.
- Nematode control: French marigold roots produce substances that can suppress nematodes in garden soil when planted as a companion plant.
- Companion planting: French marigolds are often planted alongside vegetables to deter harmful insects due to their strong scent.
- Garden aesthetic and design: Their bright orange flowers are used to create contrasting color schemes in landscape design.
- Horticultural therapy: The vibrant colors and ease of growing make Tagetes an ideal plant for horticultural therapy programs.
- Indicator plant: They can indicate soil health and the presence of certain pests, guiding garden management practices.
- Seed art: Their small, black seeds are used in traditional seed art and children's craft projects.
- Culinary garnish: Petals, while not widely known for their culinary use, can be sprinkled on salads for color, though they should be used sparingly due to their strong flavor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe French Marigold is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe French Marigold is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Life and Vitality: The bright orange color of the French Marigold is reminiscent of the sun, signifying vibrant life energy and dynamism.
- Joy and Optimism: French Marigolds often represent positive emotions because their cheerful hue can uplift spirits and symbolize a sunny outlook on life.
- Remembrance: In some cultures, marigolds are associated with remembering the dead, particularly in Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, where they are believed to guide the spirits of the deceased.
- Beauty and Warmth: The warm tones of the French Marigold can be used to symbolize attractiveness and grace, as well as the comfort of warmth.
- Healing: Marigolds have been used in traditional medicine for their healing properties, so they can symbolize health and recovery.
- Overcoming Grief: The flower's association with the dead also lends it to symbolizing the process of overcoming grief and the triumph of life over death.
- Protection: In some folklore, planting French Marigolds around your home is believed to keep harmful insects, animals, and evil spirits at bay.
- Endurance and Perseverance: As marigolds are hardy plants that can withstand tough conditions, they can symbolize the ability to persevere and endure hardships.
WaterFrench Marigolds should be watered regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Generally, this means watering deeply once a week with about 1-2 gallons per square yard, depending on weather conditions. During hot or dry spells, you may need to water every two to three days. Avoid overhead watering to minimize wet foliage, which can lead to disease. Instead, water at the base of the plant, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches.
LightFrench Marigolds thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. They perform best when placed in a location where they can enjoy morning sunlight and some protection from intense late afternoon sun in very hot climates.
TemperatureFrench Marigolds prefer warm temperatures and are sensitive to frost. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of around 35 degrees Fahrenheit but will not survive frost conditions.
PruningPinch back French Marigolds early in the season to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Pruning is best done in the early morning or late evening to avoid stressing the plant during the hottest part of the day.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFrench Marigold thrives in well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost. The ideal soil pH range is 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part sand or perlite provides a suitable growing medium for optimal growth and flowering.
RepottingFrench Marigolds usually do not require frequent repotting as they are often grown as annuals. However, if grown in containers, they can be repotted in early spring before the growing season if they outgrow their current pot or if the soil needs refreshing.
Humidity & MistingFrench Marigolds are not particularly fussy about humidity and can tolerate the average outdoor humidity levels. They perform well when grown in areas with moderate humidity and don't require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, moderate water, and good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure well-draining soil, and space 8-10 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Tagetes patula, commonly known as French Marigold 'Disco Orange', begins with the germination of seeds, typically occurring in spring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are suitable. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system, followed by the development of foliage as young plants grow rapidly under proper sunlight and watering conditions. The vegetative stage is marked by the formation of dense, green foliage and branching, preparing the plant for flowering. Flowering occurs in summer, showcasing vibrant orange blossoms that attract pollinators and can continue throughout the growing season if deadheaded regularly. After pollination, the plant produces seeds encapsulated in dry seed heads, which, once mature, can be collected for propagation or left to self-seed. With the onset of cooler temperatures and frost in late autumn or early winter, the annual French Marigold 'Disco Orange' completes its life cycle, with the plant dying and decomposing, enriching the soil for the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Tagetes patula 'Disco Orange', commonly known as French Marigold, is typically propagated through seeds. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is sowing seeds directly into the soil or starting them indoors in seed trays before the last frost of the spring. If starting indoors, it's best to plant the seeds in a seed-starting mix, covering them lightly with about 1/8 inch (approximately 3 millimeters) of the soil. To encourage germination, keep the soil moist and provide a warm environment, ideally between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (around 21-24 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves and are sturdy enough, they can be transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. The young plants should be spaced about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth and air circulation.
