French Marigold Tagetes patula 'Honeycomb'
ABOUT
The plant known most commonly as French marigold 'Honeycomb' exhibits a vibrant display of color and form that is highly decorative. The predominant feature of its appearance is the striking flowers, which showcase a unique pattern reminiscent of a honeycomb. These blooms often present a mix of deep oranges and yellows, artfully blended in a way that mimics the intricate hexagonal shapes found in beehives. The petals of the French marigold 'Honeycomb' are notable for their delicate yet layered structure, forming a dense cluster at the center of the flower, with each layer slightly overlapping the next. The edges of the petals may appear slightly ruffled or fringed, adding to the intricate visual texture of the flower head. Surrounding the spectacular blooms, the foliage forms a lush backdrop. The leaves are typically a deep green, with a fern-like appearance. They are finely divided and may exhibit a slight aromatic quality when touched or disturbed. This dense foliage not only complements the bold flowers but also provides a nice contrast to the warm tones with its cooler green hues. Overall, the French marigold 'Honeycomb' exudes a cheerful and robust quality, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and intricate floral detail to their beds, borders, or container plantings. The plant's attractive features and the lively play of colors within its flowers can bring a sense of warmth and a festive air to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
French Marigold, Honeycomb Marigold
Common names
Tagetes patula 'Honeycomb' has no scientific synonyms; its basic scientific name is provided.
ToxicityTo humans
French marigold (Tagetes patula 'Honeycomb') is generally considered safe and non-toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with the ingestion of this plant. However, sensitive individuals may experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction when handling or ingesting the plant.
To pets
French marigold (Tagetes patula 'Honeycomb') is also not known to be toxic to pets. It does not typically cause any major symptoms of poisoning if ingested by animals such as cats and dogs. Nevertheless, as with humans, sensitive pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction if they consume parts of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Tagetes patula 'Honeycomb' is widely appreciated for its beautiful, bicolored orange and yellow flowers that add vibrancy and color to gardens and landscapes.
- Pest Deterrent: French Marigold produces a strong scent that can help deter harmful insects and pests from the garden, protecting other plants.
- Companion Planting: It is commonly used in companion planting to enhance the growth of vegetables and discourage nematodes in the soil.
- Easy to Grow: French Marigold is known for being easy to cultivate, making it a good choice for novice gardeners and those with limited time or gardening experience.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination of crops and other plants.
- Edging and Borders: Due to their compact size, these marigolds are ideal for creating defined edges along garden beds or walkways.
- Long Blooming Period: They offer a long flowering season extending from early summer to fall, providing lasting color in the garden.
- Adaptable: French Marigold is quite adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained soils.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: The flowers of French marigold can be used to produce a natural yellow/orange dye for fabrics, food, or crafts.
- Companion Planting: French marigold is known to repel harmful insects and nematodes when planted near vegetables, thereby protecting them from pests.
- Chicken Feed Additive: The petals can be mixed into chicken feed to naturally enhance the color of egg yolks due to the lutein present in the petals.
- Biological Pest Control: The plant can be used in greenhouses to attract hoverflies, which prey on aphids, effectively reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
- Decorative Confetti: Dried petals of French marigold can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative in celebrations.
- Ink Production: The pigments from the petals can be extracted to create natural inks for art and writing purposes.
- Aromatherapy: The unique scent of French marigold is sometimes used in aromatherapy to create a calming environment.
- Culinary Garnish: While not a common practice, the petals can be used as a decorative, edible garnish on salads and desserts.
- Photography: The vibrant flowers are often used as subjects or backdrops in photography due to their bright colors and patterns.
- Garden Art: Dried French marigold flowers can be incorporated into garden mosaics or stepping stones for a touch of natural color and texture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiFrench marigold is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityFrench marigold is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Life and Vitality: Marigold, including the 'Honeycomb' variety, is often associated with the sun due to its bright yellow and orange hues, symbolizing energy and the vibrancy of life.
- Desire for Wealth: In many cultures, marigold flowers are believed to attract prosperity and wealth due to their golden appearance, reminiscent of coins or gold.
- Protection: Marigolds are thought to harbor protective properties, often planted to repel pests in gardens, which extends symbolically to safeguarding one against negative energies.
- Beauty and Warmth: The aesthetic appeal of marigolds symbolizes beauty, and the warmth of their colors represents a warm and optimistic disposition.
- Grief and Remembrance: In some traditions, marigolds are used in ceremonies to honor the dead, symbolizing grief and the beauty of memories with departed loved ones.
- Healing: Marigolds have been used for medicinal purposes in various cultures, symbolizing healing and the restoration of health.
- Renewal: Their robust nature and ability to bloom from spring to fall also make them symbols of renewal and the cycle of life.
WaterThe French Marigold should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which might typically be about once a week depending on the climate and weather conditions. It is best to water the plant early in the morning to allow the foliage time to dry before nightfall. When watering, ensure to soak the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches to encourage deep root development. During the active growing season in spring and summer, you might need to water more frequently, especially if the weather is particularly hot or windy. A general guideline could be to provide about half a gallon per plant during each watering session, adjusting as needed for rainfall and temperature fluctuations.
LightFrench Marigolds require full sun to thrive, with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They perform best in a location that receives morning sunlight, which is less intense and helps protect the plant from the harsh afternoon sun in extremely hot climates. However, these plants are adaptable and can still flourish with some light shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureFrench Marigolds prefer warm temperatures and do well in environments that maintain a temperature between 60°F and 75°F. They can handle minimum temperatures down to about 35°F, but frost can be damaging. These plants thrive in the warmth of summer, and excessive cold or frost will result in damage or death to the plant.
PruningPruning French Marigolds is important to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering. The best time to prune for shaping is in the early spring as new growth appears. Additionally, pruning back leggy stems during the growing season can help refresh the plant. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFrench Marigold thrives in a soil mix rich in organic matter with good drainage. A blend of peat moss, vermiculite or perlite, and compost is ideal. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingFrench Marigolds are typically grown as annuals and therefore don't require repotting. If grown in containers as perennials in zones 9-11, repot every spring to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingFrench Marigold is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average ambient humidity conditions. There is no specific humidity level requirement for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place French Marigold in bright, indirect light and water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant French Marigold in full sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleTagetes patula 'Honeycomb', commonly known as French marigold 'Honeycomb', begins its life as a seed, typically sown in early spring after the last frost when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, rapidly developing true leaves and a root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant grows in size and produces a bushy structure with dark-green, fern-like foliage. The next stage is the flowering phase, where 'Honeycomb' exhibits its distinctively large, bi-colored yellow and maroon flowers that attract pollinators and provide aesthetic value. After pollination, seeds form within the flower heads, and once mature, the plant dries and the seeds can be harvested for future planting. At the end of its annual cycle, the French marigold 'Honeycomb' completes its life and dies with the onset of cold weather, though it may leave behind seeds which can initiate the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The French marigold 'Honeycomb' is typically propagated through seeds. The best time for sowing these seeds is late winter to early spring, aiming for several weeks before the last frost date when they can be started indoors. To propagate by seed, you should first select a well-draining seed starting mix and sow the seeds very shallowly, as they need light to germinate. This means barely covering them with soil. The pots or flats should then be placed in a warm area with temperatures around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (about 21-24 degrees Celsius). Germination usually occurs within a week or two. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden after all risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
