French Marigold Tagetes patula 'Queen Sophia'
ABOUT
Queen Sophia is adorned with bi-colored blooms, featuring a unique combination of deep orange and yellow. The rich orange petals, which dominate the flower, are set off by a distinct yellow margin that creates a stunning contrast. The flowers are double, meaning they possess multiple layers of petals that contribute to a full and ruffled appearance, adding a sense of density and opulence to the bloom. This marigold's green foliage is feathery in texture, and each leaf is finely divided into narrow segments. The overall look of Queen Sophia is one of brightness and cheer, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of vibrant color to their flower beds or containers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Queen Sophia Marigold, French Marigold.
Common names
Tagetes patula 'Queen Sophia'.
ToxicityTo humans
The French Marigold is generally considered safe for humans, as it is not known to be toxic. However, some people might be allergic or sensitive to its parts or pollen, leading to skin irritation, rashes, or an allergic reaction if they come into direct contact with the plant or ingest it. Consuming any part of the French Marigold in significant amounts could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, like nausea or vomiting, though such reactions are relatively uncommon due to the plant's strong taste deterring ingestion. If a large amount is consumed and symptoms are severe, medical attention should be sought.
To pets
The French Marigold is not known to be poisonous to pets. It is generally considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other household pets. However, ingestion of the plant in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances, such as vomiting or diarrhea, primarily due to the ingestion of a non-typical food source rather than inherent toxicity. If a pet ingests part of a French Marigold and exhibits these symptoms, monitoring them and providing supportive care, such as ensuring they stay hydrated, is advisable. If symptoms are persistent or severe, consulting a veterinarian would be the best course of action.
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: French Marigold 'Queen Sophia' has vibrant, bi-colored flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Pest Deterrent: The plant has a strong scent that can help to deter some insects and pests from the garden.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for being easy to cultivate, often requiring minimal care to thrive.
- Companion Planting: French Marigolds are commonly used in companion planting to benefit vegetables by repelling harmful pests.
- Blooming Period: These marigolds have a long flowering season, providing color from early summer until frost.
- Edible Flowers: The blooms are edible, with a spicy, citrus flavor, and can be used to garnish salads and dishes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies, aiding in the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Low Maintenance: French Marigold 'Queen Sophia' typically requires little maintenance, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Versatility: It can be planted in flowerbeds, borders, containers, and as an annual ground cover.
- Soil Improvement: The plant can help improve soil quality by deterring nematodes when planted in rotation with vegetables.
Medical Properties- Antifungal: Extracts of French marigold have been shown to possess antifungal properties, particularly against certain plant pathogens.
- Antimicrobial: Some studies suggest that Tagetes patula may have antimicrobial activity against specific bacteria and fungi.
- Antioxidant: French marigold extracts might contain compounds that exhibit antioxidant activity, which could help in protecting cells from oxidative stress.
- Antispasmodic: Traditional uses of French marigold include antispasmodic properties, potentially relaxing smooth muscles.
- Anti-inflammatory: Compounds within the plant might help to reduce inflammation, although this is not widely documented in scientific literature.
- Diuretic: Traditional use also implies a diuretic effect which would promote the production of urine, though clinical evidence for this is limited.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: Marigold 'Queen Sophia' is often planted among vegetable crops to deter harmful pests, such as nematodes, thanks to its strong scent and pesticidal properties.
- Chicken Feed Additive: The flower petals can be mixed into chicken feed to enhance the color of egg yolks with their natural pigments.
- Natural Dye: The brightly colored petals can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, giving a warm, yellow to orange hue.
- Garden Aesthetics: 'Queen Sophia' is used by gardeners to create visually appealing patterns and borders due to its distinctive coloration and compact growth habit.
- Biological Control Agent: In addition to deterring pests, marigolds can attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and bees, which help in pollination and controlling aphid populations.
- Culinary Garnish: The edible flowers can be used as a colorful garnish for salads and desserts, adding a subtle, spicy flavor and a burst of color.
- Plant Craft: The durable flowers can be used for making potpourris or in crafts such as flower pressing, preserving their beauty long after the growing season.
- Soil Health Indicator: Marigolds can act as an indicator plant, showing signs of specific soil deficiencies through their growth and bloom patterns.
- Spiritual and Cultural Practices: In some cultures, marigolds are used in ceremonial offerings and decorations, particularly in Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico.
- Floating Decorations: The flowers of 'Queen Sophia' can be floated in bowls of water to create simple and elegant table decorations for events and gatherings.
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 vibrant colors of the French Marigold are often associated with the sun and can symbolize a passion for life and a vibrant energy.
- Protection: In some traditions, French Marigolds are thought to possess protective qualities, warding off pests and evil spirits from gardens and homes.
- Remembrance: These flowers are used in Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, symbolizing remembrance and the beauty of life, even after death.
- Beauty and Warmth: The lush, warm hues of the petals can represent beauty and a welcoming, cozy environment.
- Healing: A connection to healing is sometimes made due to the marigold’s role in traditional medicine, where it's used for its antiseptic and healing properties.
- Love and Devotion: In some cultures, giving a marigold can express deep love, affection, and commitment to a loved one.
- Resilience: French Marigolds are hardy plants that can thrive in challenging conditions, symbolizing the ability to overcome obstacles.
WaterFrench Marigold 'Queen Sophia' prefers consistently moist soil, and it should be watered whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on weather conditions, this could mean watering once or twice a week. Use slow, deep watering methods to encourage root growth, providing about one to two gallons of water per week during the growing season. In extreme heat, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler, cloudy weather, water less often. Always avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and minimize the risk of disease.
LightFrench Marigold 'Queen Sophia' thrives in full sun conditions, with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for these plants is a location where they receive morning sunlight and protection from the intense heat in the late afternoon. These marigolds can tolerate partial shade, but they will bloom more profusely in full sun.
TemperatureFrench Marigold 'Queen Sophia' does well in a wide range of temperatures, but ideally prefers conditions between 60°F and 75°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 80°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range can be detrimental to the plant's health.
PruningFrench Marigold 'Queen Sophia' benefits from deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Prune any dead or dying foliage to maintain plant health and appearance. The best time for pruning is in the mid-summer when plants may start to look leggy or after a flush of blooms has faded.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFrench Marigold 'Queen Sophia' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand ensures proper drainage. Adding compost will enrich the soil and promote healthy growth.
RepottingFrench Marigold 'Queen Sophia' typically does not require frequent repotting. Repot every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current container to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth.
Humidity & MistingFrench Marigold 'Queen Sophia' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions but prefers moderate humidity. It does well outdoors where humidity is natural as long as the soil drainage is good.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place French Marigold 'Queen Sophia' in bright light, ensuring good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure soil drains well, water moderately.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleFrench Marigold 'Queen Sophia' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, ideally in warm, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, typically in late spring or after the last frost. As a seedling, it develops a pair of true leaves and, as it matures, grows into a bushy, compact plant with deeply divided, pungent leaves and a strong stem. The plant enters its flowering phase in the early summer, characterized by bright orange and red bicolored blossoms that continue to bloom throughout the summer and into fall, attracting pollinators such as butterflies and bees. After pollination, flowers develop into fruit which contains seeds, and by the end of the growing season, the plant prepares for senescence as it completes its annual lifecycle. To propagate, seeds can be collected from the dried flowers in late summer or fall and stored for planting the following spring. If left to decompose naturally in the garden, some seeds may self-sow and produce new plants the next season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The French Marigold, known as Tagetes patula 'Queen Sophia', is typically propagated through seeds. The best time for sowing these seeds is late winter to early spring, prior to the last expected frost date. To propagate, seeds are sown shallowly, about 1/8 inch deep, into well-draining soil and lightly covered or simply pressed into the soil surface. They require adequate sunlight, and germination occurs usually within 4 to 14 days at a temperature around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves, they can be thinned out or transplanted to ensure adequate space for growth. It's crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during germination and early growth to ensure healthy plant development.
