French Marigold Tagetes patula 'Pots of Gold'
ABOUT
The Tagetes patula 'Pots of Gold', also known as French marigold, is notable for its vibrant and showy flowers. This particular variety boasts blossoms that are a dazzling blend of warm colors, with yellow and orange hues creating a strikingly bold pattern. The petals are often multicolored, featuring a gradient that can start with deep orange at the base, transitioning to a golden-yellow towards the edges. Each petal is slightly ruffled, giving the flower heads a full and lush appearance. The foliage of the French marigold is equally attractive, forming a dense backdrop of green leaves which are finely divided with a fern-like appearance and have a distinctive, pungent aroma when brushed or crushed. These leaves can add texture and color contrast to the blossoms. The flowers are typically arranged in clusters atop the green foliage, creating a rich tapestry of color that can add a burst of warmth and vibrancy to any garden space. The French marigold 'Pots of Gold' exudes a cheerful energy through its prolific and continuous blooming, providing a long-lasting display of color throughout the growing season. This plant is equally at home in garden beds, borders, and containers, making it a versatile choice for a variety of garden settings. Its bright blossoms can also attract beneficial insects, adding to the plant's appeal for gardeners seeking to promote a healthy garden ecosystem.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
French Marigold, Pots of Gold Marigold.
Common names
Tagetes patula.
ToxicityTo humans
French marigolds (Tagetes patula 'Pots of Gold') are generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning or adverse health effects. However, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction or skin irritation when in contact with the plant due to its natural oils and compounds. It's always best to handle plants with care and not consume them unless they are known to be edible.
To pets
French marigolds (Tagetes patula 'Pots of Gold') are not known to be highly toxic to pets. However, as with many plants, consumption in large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet ingests a significant quantity of French marigolds, it is advisable to monitor them and consult a veterinarian if any adverse symptoms are observed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Colorful Aesthetics: The vibrant orange and yellow blooms of French marigolds add a vivid splash of color to any garden.
- Pest Deterrent: They can naturally repel certain pests, making them useful as companion plants to protect vegetables.
- Low Maintenance: French marigolds are easy to care for, requiring minimal attention to thrive.
- Drought Tolerant: They are quite resilient in dry conditions, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
- Soil Improvement: These marigolds can help improve the soil quality by breaking up heavy soils and repelling nematodes.
- Edible Flowers: The petals are edible and can be used as a garnish or to add color to salads.
- Long Blooming: They have a long flowering season, from early summer to fall, ensuring lasting beauty.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are known to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which aid in pollination.
- Seasonal Decoration: They are suitable for festive arrangements, such as for fall and Halloween decorations.
- Easy to Propagate: French marigolds can be easily grown from seeds or cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their display effortlessly.
- Compact Growth: Their bushy, compact size makes them a great choice for borders, pots, and small gardens.
- Fast Growing: They grow quickly after planting, which allows for rapid establishment and gratification.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in beds, containers, and hanging baskets, providing flexibility in garden design.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: Contains compounds that can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Antiparasitic: May be used in traditional medicine to combat certain parasites.
- Anti-inflammatory: Components of the plant may have properties that reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant: Provides phytochemicals that can help in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.
- Diuretic: Traditionally used to promote urine production and relieve fluid retention.
- Stomachic: Sometimes used to aid digestion and soothe stomach complaints.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: Marigolds are often planted in vegetable gardens to repel harmful insects and nematodes due to their strong scent.
- Chicken Feed Additive: The petals of marigolds are sometimes added to chicken feed to deepen the yellow color of egg yolks.
- Natural Dye: The flowers can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, yielding shades of yellow, orange, and red.
- Rituals and Festivities: In some cultures, marigolds are used in ceremonial garlands, offerings, and decorations during festivals.
- Soil Indicator: Marigolds can indicate poor soil quality if they fail to thrive, alerting gardeners to soil deficiencies.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of marigold petals can be used to add color and a light, citrus-like flavor to salads and dishes.
- Biological Pest Control: They can be used as part of a biological control strategy to manage pests without the use of chemical pesticides.
- Marigold Ink: The petals can be crushed and mixed with a binding agent to create natural plant-based ink for art and crafts.
- Marigold Chains: The flowers can be strung into chains and hung around the home or garden for decorative effect.
- Fish Aquaculture: Marigold extract is sometimes added to fish feed to improve the coloration of ornamental fish.
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: Tagetes patula, commonly known as French Marigold, is often associated with vibrant energy and life due to its bright and lively colored flowers that seem to radiate sunshine and positivity.
- Protection: French Marigolds are believed to have protective qualities, often planted to repel pests in gardens, symbolizing the warding off of negativity and harmful influences.
- Beauty and Creativity: These flowers represent creativity and passion for beauty, as they are widely used in decorative arrangements and have a striking appearance that inspires artistic expression.
- Remembrance: Similar to other marigolds, the French Marigold is also associated with the theme of remembrance. In some cultures, they are used in ceremonies to honor and remember the deceased.
- Healing: The French Marigold has been thought to possess healing properties, symbolizing the role of nature in health and wellness and the importance of caring for one's well-being.
WaterFrench Marigolds should be watered regularly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to avoid over-watering. Typically, watering once a week should be sufficient, but this can vary depending on climate conditions and the size of the plant. Provide about 16 to 24 ounces of water for each plant during each watering session, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply to reach the roots. During very hot or dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
LightFrench Marigolds thrive in full sun conditions, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for them is in an area that is exposed to full, unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. However, they can also tolerate partial shade, especially in very hot climates where some relief from the intense afternoon sun can be beneficial to the plants.
TemperatureFrench Marigolds prefer temperatures between 60°F and 75°F but can tolerate a broader range from 40°F to above 80°F. They are not frost-tolerant and should be protected or brought indoors if temperatures are expected to dip below 40°F. The ideal temperature conditions ensure vibrant growth and blooming, so maintaining an environment within the optimal temperature range is key for healthy plants.
PruningFrench Marigolds should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch off the tops of the plants and deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote further blooming. Pruning is best done early in the growing season and continued throughout the blooming period to maintain shape and encourage new flowers. The best time for pruning is when the plants are young and when dead flowers are present.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFrench Marigolds, including 'Pots of Gold', thrive in a soil mix that is loamy, well-draining, and fertile with good aeration. Adding peat, perlite, and compost can create an ideal growing medium. The optimal soil pH for French Marigolds should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingFrench Marigolds typically do not require frequent repotting as they are annual plants. They are usually sown directly into their final location or repotted only if they outgrow their initial container during the growing season.
Humidity & MistingFrench Marigolds are adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and do not require high humidity; average ambient humidity is typically suitable for these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, space 6-18 in.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of French Marigold 'Pots of Gold' begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions. Upon germination, seedlings emerge with their first set of true leaves, followed by the development of a bushy growth habit with deep green foliage. As the plant matures, it undergoes vegetative growth where it forms a compact mound and prepares for flowering. The blooming stage is marked by the appearance of numerous small, bicolored yellow and mahogany red flowers that provide vibrant displays throughout the summer months. After pollination, the plant produces seeds within the spent flowers, which can be collected for future sowing. Finally, as an annual species, the French Marigold 'Pots of Gold' completes its life cycle within one growing season and dies with the onset of frost, depending on its growing environment.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating the French Marigold 'Pots of Gold' is through seeds. Propagation time typically begins in late winter to early spring. To propagate, seeds are sown indoors in seed-starting trays or small pots filled with a light, well-draining seed starting mix. They should be lightly covered with soil since marigold seeds need darkness to germinate and placed in a warm area, maintaining a temperature of around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings usually appear in 5 to 14 days. Once there is no more risk of frost and seedlings have grown strong enough, they can be transplanted outdoors after hardening off to accustom them to outdoor conditions.
