French Marigold Tagetes patula 'Hero Orange' (Hero Series)

Water

For French Marigold 'Hero Orange', it's important to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might be once or twice a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Use enough water to soak the root zone; for potted plants, this might be about half a gallon per plant every time you water. During the growing season, the plant might need more frequent watering, especially in hot, dry conditions. Always avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, and aim to water early in the morning to allow foliage to dry out over the day.

Light

French Marigolds 'Hero Orange' thrive in full sun. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to develop their best flower production and compact growth. The ideal location is in an area where they can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day, so place them in a spot that is exposed to the sun from morning to afternoon.

Temperature

French Marigolds 'Hero Orange' prefer warm conditions and do well in temperatures ranging from about 60°F to 75°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50°F but growth will be slower, and a maximum temperature of around 90°F before the plants start to experience heat stress. Ensure the marigolds are planted after the last frost date as they are sensitive to cold temperatures.

Pruning

Pruning French Marigolds 'Hero Orange' encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. Cut back any leggy stems in midsummer to rejuvenate the plant. The best time for significant pruning is early to mid-summer but continue deadheading as needed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

French Marigold (Tagetes patula 'Hero Orange') thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix for this plant would be equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage.

Repotting

French Marigolds typically do not require repotting as they are annual plants. They complete their life cycle in one growing season and are then replanted from seed the following year.

Humidity & Misting

French Marigold prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity conditions commonly found in outdoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, after frost risk is gone.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

French Marigold 'Hero Orange' typically begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown after the danger of frost has passed, best in early spring. Germination takes place over several days to weeks, whereupon seedlings emerge and start developing their first true leaves. As the plant grows, it develops a branching system and lush foliage, along with distinctive orange flowers which bloom from early summer until the first frost in autumn. During the blooming period, pollination occurs either by selfing or with the help of pollinators, leading to the production of seeds within the spent flowers. As temperatures drop towards the end of the growing season, the plant will begin to senesce and die back. The seeds can then be collected and stored for replanting or naturally dispersed to begin a new life cycle the following year.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Tagetes patula 'Hero Orange', commonly known as French Marigold, is through seeds. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden after the last frost when the soil has warmed, typically in late spring. Alternatively, for an earlier start, seeds may be sown indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in a well-draining seed starting mix. Sow the seeds about an inch apart and cover them lightly with about 1/8 inch of soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and ensure they receive plenty of light. Germination usually occurs within a week if the temperature is between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (approx. 21-24 degrees Celsius). Seedlings can be transplanted to the garden or containers after the danger of frost has passed and they've grown large enough to handle.