French Marigold Tagetes patula 'Red Knight'
ABOUT
Tagetes patula 'Red Knight', commonly known as French marigold, is a vibrant annual flowering plant known for its showy blooms. These flowers are a rich, velvety red color with a distinctive crest of darker red or mahogany shades, creating a striking contrast. This unique coloration makes 'Red Knight' a favorite among gardeners looking to add bold and fiery hues to their flower beds and borders. The plant itself has a bushy growth habit, with green, fern-like leaves that are finely divided and have a slightly aromatic scent when touched or brushed against. The texture of the leaves is somewhat lacy, providing a delicate backdrop for the robust and brightly colored flowers. French marigold 'Red Knight' blooms generously throughout the growing season, typically from early summer until the first frost. The flowers are often arranged in a dense cluster at the top of the stems, each blossom with a characteristic pompom shape that has both flat and ruffled petal edges. These stunning flowers not only appeal to the human eye but also attract beneficial insects, such as pollinators, to the garden. Although this description avoids mentioning the specific size of the plant, it's worth noting that the Tagetes patula 'Red Knight' is proportionate to the typical range of French marigolds, suitable for many garden settings and containers where its colorful display can be prominently featured.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
French Marigold, Red Knight Marigold.
Common names
Tagetes patula.
ToxicityTo humans
French marigold (Tagetes patula 'Red Knight') is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, some individuals might experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction if they have sensitivity to the plant's sap or if they ingest parts of the plant. Ingesting large amounts of French marigold could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or vomiting, but severe toxicity is rare.
To pets
French marigold (Tagetes patula 'Red Knight') is generally considered to be non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. However, like many plants, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. This could manifest as symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling in pets. Nonetheless, it is not known for causing serious or life-threatening issues in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The 'Red Knight' marigold boasts vibrant red and orange bicolor petals that add vivid color to gardens and landscapes.
- Pest Deterrent: Marigolds are known to repel certain garden pests, such as nematodes and insects, which can help protect nearby plants.
- Easy to Grow: Marigolds are fairly low maintenance, making them suitable for beginner gardeners and those looking for uncomplicated planting options.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects: While repelling harmful pests, marigolds can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies that support a healthy ecosystem.
- Edging and Borders: Their compact size and dense growth habit make them ideal for creating defined edges and borders in garden beds and walkways.
- Companion Planting: Marigolds are commonly used in companion planting to enhance the growth and health of vegetables and other garden plants.
- Season-Long Bloom: Marigolds have a long flowering period, providing continuous color from spring until frost.
- Container Gardening: They are well-suited for container gardening, making them a versatile choice for patios, balconies, and other small spaces.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: Tagetes patula may possess compounds that exhibit antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms.
- Antifungal: Extracts from the plant have shown potential in inhibiting fungal growth.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant may offer anti-inflammatory benefits due to flavonoids and other constituents present.
- Antispasmodic: Tagetes patula might have properties that reduce spasms in smooth muscles.
- Antioxidant: The presence of antioxidants in the plant could help in protecting cells from oxidative damage.
- Nematicidal: It is sometimes used for its nematicidal properties to manage nematodes in the soil.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion planting: French marigold 'Red Knight' is often used in vegetable gardens to repel harmful insects and deter nematodes in the soil with its strong scent.
- Chicken feed additive: The petals of the French marigold 'Red Knight' can be mixed with chicken feed to enhance the color of egg yolks naturally.
- Biological pest control: The plant can serve as a trap crop for slugs and snails, which prefer it over other vegetables.
- Dye production: The petals of the French marigold 'Red Knight' contain lutein, which can be extracted and used as a natural dye for fabrics or food products.
- Decorative confetti: Dried petals of the French marigold 'Red Knight' can be used as biodegradable confetti for celebrations and events.
- Flower arrangements: Although not unusual, the vibrant flowers of 'Red Knight' can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding a pop of color to any bouquet.
- Garden aesthetics: French marigold 'Red Knight' can be planted to create ornamental patterns and borders due to their contrasting color and uniform growth habit.
- Seed harvesting: Gardeners can collect seeds from the spent blooms of 'Red Knight' for replanting or for sharing with other gardening enthusiasts.
- Symbolic uses: In some cultures, French marigolds are used in ceremonial garlands or decorations due to their symbolism of passion and creativity.
- Nutritional addition for pet food: Finely chopped French marigold 'Red Knight' flowers can be sprinkled into pet food to add diversity to the diet of certain pets.
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 red color of the 'Red Knight' marigold is often associated with energy and the liveliness of life, symbolizing passion and creativity.
- Protection: Marigolds have been thought to possess protective qualities, often planted to deter pests and believed to safeguard against negative energies.
- Remembrance: In various cultures, marigolds are used during ceremonial events to honor and remember those who have passed away, making them a symbol of remembrance.
- Beauty and Warmth: The bright, bold flowers of the 'Red Knight' marigold symbolize beauty and the warmth of the sun, often representing a warm and positive disposition.
- Resilience: Marigolds are hardy plants that can thrive in challenging conditions, symbolizing endurance and the ability to overcome obstacles.
- Healing: Traditionally, marigolds have been used for their medicinal properties, representing healing and the restoration of health.
- Friendship and Affection: These flowers can also be given as a token of friendship and genuine affection, signifying strong and supportive relationships.
WaterFrench Marigold 'Red Knight' should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become dry to the touch between waterings. They prefer consistent moisture but do not like to be waterlogged. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases. During the active growing season, in the absence of rainfall, watering once a week with approximately 1 gallon per square yard should suffice. Adjust water frequency based on temperature and rainfall, less during cool, wet periods and more in hot, dry conditions.
LightFrench Marigold 'Red Knight' thrives best in full sunlight, which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A spot that receives ample morning sun and some protection from the intense late afternoon sun can be ideal, but these plants are versatile enough to withstand full sun all day. Avoid shaded areas, as this can hinder the plant's growth and flowering potential.
TemperatureFrench Marigold 'Red Knight' can handle a wide temperature range and grow best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive a minimum temperature of around 35°F, but frost can be damaging. These plants perform optimally when not subjected to temperatures exceeding 85°F for prolonged periods. However, they are quite heat tolerant and should continue to flourish if well-watered during hotter spells.
PruningPruning French Marigold 'Red Knight' is important for maintaining plant health and promoting abundant flowering. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages new blooms and prevents the plant from using energy on seed production. Prune away any dead or unhealthy foliage to maintain good air circulation. This task should be carried out regularly throughout the blooming season, ideally every few weeks or when the plant appears to need tidying. The best time for major pruning is in the late fall or early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFrench marigolds like 'Red Knight' thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A mix of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part compost is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingFrench marigolds such as 'Red Knight' typically don't require frequent repotting as they are often grown as annuals. However, if grown in containers and kept as perennials, repotting every spring can encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingFrench marigolds like 'Red Knight' are not particularly humidity-sensitive and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, but they do best in moderate ambient humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun exposure and good airflow for indoor French marigolds.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny location with well-draining soil and space plants for airflow.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleFrench Marigold 'Red Knight' begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically occurring in spring when soil temperatures warm up. Following germination, the seedlings emerge and rapidly grow, developing a rosette of leaves and a robust root system. During vegetative growth, plants increase in size and prepare for flowering, with foliage changing from initial lighter green to a darker, more mature hue. The flowering stage comes next, where 'Red Knight' produces distinctive deep red blooms with a signature marigold appearance that attracts pollinators and can last throughout the summer and into fall. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, containing seeds which will disperse to begin a new generation. Finally, as temperatures drop in late fall to winter, these annuals complete their life cycle, dying after seed maturation, although they may leave behind seeds that can germinate the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring - Early Summer
Tagetes patula 'Red Knight', commonly known as the French Marigold 'Red Knight', is typically propagated through seeds. The best time for sowing the seeds is late winter to early spring, when the risk of frost has passed. To propagate, seeds are sown thinly over the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix, lightly covered with soil, and kept moist. They should be placed in a warm location, around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius), with plenty of indirect light to promote germination, which usually occurs in 5 to 7 days. Once seedlings have developed and all danger of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors into a sunny spot with fertile, well-draining soil. Seedlings should be spaced approximately 8 to 10 inches (20-25 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth.
