French marigold Tagetes patula Durango Bee = 'Pas2255' (Durango Series)
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ABOUT
The plant known by the common name 'French Marigold' is part of the Durango Series, specifically the Durango Bee variety. This plant is characterized by its striking two-toned flowers which display a unique and eye-catching coloration pattern. The blooms are primarily a bright, warm yellow that radiates from the center of the flower, transitioning to a bold, deep red at the petal edges. This bicolored effect gives each blossom a fiery appearance that adds a vibrant contrast to garden settings and is particularly attractive to pollinators such as bees. The flowers themselves are fully double and have a pompom shape, with layers of petals that create a rich and dense texture. They present a neat, uniform appearance that contributes to their ornamental value. The French Marigold's foliage is equally notable, with leaves that are dark green and fern-like in appearance. The leaves are finely divided, which gives the plant an overall lacy texture, adding to the visual interest of the Durango Bee variety. Overall, the plant displays a robust, bushy form that is lush with blooms and foliage, contributing a full-bodied look within its arrangement. The French Marigold Durango Bee is known for its long-lasting flowers that continue to decorate the plant throughout the growing season, ensuring it remains a vibrant and cheerful feature in gardens or as part of decorative plantings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
French Marigold, Durango Bee Marigold
Common names
Tagetes patula Durango Bee = 'Pas2255' (Durango Series).
ToxicityTo humans
French marigold is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There have been no widely reported cases of toxicity associated with ingesting French marigolds. However, ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of unusual fibers or compounds. If a person were to eat parts of a French marigold, they might experience mild discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. People with allergies or sensitivities to members of the Asteraceae family might also experience allergic reactions. As with any non-food plant, it is recommended to avoid ingesting parts of this plant.
To pets
French marigold is not known to be highly toxic to pets. However, like many other plants, if ingested in significant amounts, it may cause mild gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea, primarily due to the irritation from the plant's fibers or if the pet has a sensitivity to the plant. Typically, pets won't consume large amounts of this plant due to its strong scent and taste being unappealing. Nevertheless, it is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting this plant to avoid possible discomfort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Spread
6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens with its showy orange and yellow blooms.
- Companion Planting: Tagetes patula Durango Bee can be used in vegetable gardens to help deter certain pests.
- Easy to Grow: It is a hardy annual that is relatively easy to care for and doesn't require complex garden know-how.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone regions.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects: The flowers can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Edging and Borders: Suitable for edging borders or paths due to its neat growth habit and size.
- Container Gardening: Its compact size makes it suitable for pots and hanging baskets.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides continuous blooms throughout the growing season until frost.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep beyond the occasional watering and deadheading of spent flowers.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion planting: The French marigold is often used in vegetable gardens to repel harmful insects, such as nematodes, and to attract beneficial insects that prey on pests.
- Natural dye: The flowers of the French marigold can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or food coloring.
- Decorative element in salads: The petals of French marigold are edible and can add a splash of color to salads.
- Culinary decor: The vibrant flowers can be used as a garnish to beautify dishes and desserts.
- Seed oil: French marigold seeds contain oil that can be used for flavoring or in beauty products.
- Festive decoration: The flowers are traditionally used in Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico to decorate altars and graves.
- Art and crafts: Dried French marigold flowers can be incorporated into potpourris, or used in paper making and other crafts.
- Aromatic herb: The leaves and flowers, when dried, have a strong scent that can be used to freshen drawers and closets.
- Plant pigment for paints: The pigment extracted from French marigold flowers can be used in natural paints.
- Garden aesthetics: These plants can be grown in containers for adding seasonal color to patios, balconies, and outdoor living areas.
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 Tagetes patula, commonly known as French Marigold, often symbolizes the energy and warmth of the sun because of its vibrant orange and yellow colors, which can evoke feelings of liveliness.
- Desire for Wealth: In some cultures, marigolds are a symbol of prosperity and wealth. Their golden hue can be reminiscent of coins and richness, thus being used in celebrations that wish for financial success.
- Overcoming Grief: The marigold is also associated with the pain and process of grieving but is used in ceremonies as a way to honor the dead and bring comfort to the living, symbolizing the beauty of life and remembrance.
- Strong Relationships: Given that marigolds are hardy and can thrive in challenging conditions, they can symbolize robust and strong relationships that endure through hardships.
- Beauty and Creativity: The intricate patterns and bold colors of the French Marigold are also seen as a symbol of creativity and the drive to create beauty in all forms of expression.
WaterFrench Marigolds should be watered thoroughly and allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, watering once a week is sufficient, but this may vary depending on climate and soil conditions. When you water, do so at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the hot summer months or in particularly dry climates, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler, moist climates, watering might be less frequent. An average-sized French Marigold should receive approximately 1 gallon of water every 7 to 10 days during the growing season.
LightFrench Marigolds thrive in full sun, where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place them in a spot that gets plenty of light throughout the day to encourage strong growth and prolific flowering. These plants can tolerate partial shade, but they perform best and bloom more abundantly when planted in full sun exposure.
TemperatureFrench Marigolds prefer warm temperatures and thrive in conditions between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night and should not be exposed to frost, as they are sensitive to cold and cannot survive freezing temperatures. Ideal growing conditions include warm days and cooler nights within their preferred temperature range.
PruningPruning French Marigolds is important to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly to promote continuous flowering. Light pruning can also be done throughout the growing season to shape the plants and maintain their appearance. The best time to prune is in the morning when the plants are well-hydrated.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFrench Marigold thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining and fertile with a lot of organic matter. A mix of loam, peat, and sand in equal parts makes for an excellent soil composition for this plant. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Regular amendment with compost or a balanced fertilizer will help maintain soil fertility and support vibrant growth.
RepottingFrench Marigolds, being annuals, typically do not require repotting as they complete their life cycle in one season. However, if started indoors, they should be transplanted into the garden or larger containers after the last frost when they have developed a strong root system.
Humidity & MistingFrench Marigolds are quite adaptable and do not require highly specific humidity levels to thrive. They perform well in the average outdoor humidity conditions found in their growing zones. Just ensure they are not in overly humid environments as this can encourage disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in sunny spot, ensure good airflow, water moderately.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, space 8-10 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleTagetes patula, commonly known as French marigold 'Durango Bee', begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in warm soils with temperatures between 70-75°F. After germination, the seedling emerges with its first set of true leaves and continues to develop a foliage of dark green, pinnate leaves with scalloped margins. As the plant matures, it forms a bushy, compact habit, reaching about 10-12 inches in height and width, and begins to produce distinctive bi-colored blooms, which are yellow with maroon splashes. These flowers bloom from early summer until the first frost, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Throughout its growing season, the French marigold 'Durango Bee' will set seeds if the flowers are allowed to mature and dry on the plant. Once the growing season ends, French marigolds are annuals and will die with the onset of cold weather, at which point seeds can be collected for replanting or they may self-seed in the garden if conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Tagetes patula Durango Bee, also known as French marigold, is commonly propagated by seed. Seed sowing is generally done in early spring as these marigolds are tender annuals and should not be exposed to frost. For optimal germination, seeds should be sown in a light, well-drained soil mix, covered lightly with about 1/8 inch (about 3 millimeters) of soil or vermiculite, and kept at a temperature around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). The seeds often germinate within 5 to 7 days. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on in cooler conditions until they are ready to be planted out after all danger of frost has passed.
