French Marigold Tagetes patula 'Safari Scarlet' (Safari Series)
ABOUT
Tagetes patula 'Safari Scarlet', commonly known as French marigold, is a vibrant ornamental plant that boasts a showy display of flowers. The 'Safari Scarlet' variety is particularly noted for its striking scarlet-red blooms. These flowers are small but dense with a velvety texture and typically have a pompom-like appearance that adds an intense pop of color to any garden space. The petals display a rich, deep red hue that can have undertones of orange or maroon, creating a warm and inviting aesthetic. The center of the flowers often features a darker shade that fades toward the edges of the petals. The leaves of the French marigold 'Safari Scarlet' are dark green in color and have a fern-like appearance, which contrasts beautifully with the brightness of the flowers. The foliage emits a distinctive fragrance when touched or brushed against. This variety can produce a lush, bushy growth habit with plentiful branching, resulting in a thick canopy of leaves and flowers. French marigolds like 'Safari Scarlet' are commonly planted as bedding plants due to their dense flowering and ability to bloom prolifically throughout the growing season. They can be used to create striking borders or as part of container arrangements. The plant's overall aesthetic with its rich scarlet flowers and aromatic green foliage makes it both a visual and sensory delight, and a popular choice for gardeners looking to add lasting color and texture to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
French Marigold, Safari Scarlet Marigold
Common names
Tagetes patula 'Safari Scarlet'.
ToxicityTo humans
French Marigold is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, individuals may experience allergic reactions or dermatitis after coming into contact with the plant, particularly if they have a sensitivity to plants in the Asteraceae family. Ingesting parts of French Marigold is not commonly associated with severe poisoning in humans, but it may cause gastrointestinal upset or mild discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
To pets
French Marigold is generally not considered toxic to pets. However, as with humans, some pets may have allergic reactions or mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of the plant. If you notice your pet eating French Marigold and showing signs of distress, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Scarlet
Height
10 inches (25 cm)
Spread
8 inches (20 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: This variety of French marigold offers striking scarlet flowers that add vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects: The blooms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Pest Repellent: French marigolds produce a strong scent that can deter certain garden pests, making them a natural choice for companion planting.
- Low Maintenance: Safari Scarlet is relatively easy to grow, requiring minimal care once established, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: This plant can withstand periods of low water, reducing the need for frequent irrigation and conserving water resources.
- Edging and Borders: Due to their compact size, they are ideal for creating defined edges and borders in garden beds.
- Container Gardening: These marigolds are well-suited to container gardening, where they can brighten up balconies, patios, or indoor spaces.
- Seasonal Interest: Their bloom season extends through summer and fall, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
- Soil Improvement: Marigolds are believed to help improve soil quality through their root system, benefiting neighboring plants as well.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: Tagetes patula may possess antimicrobial properties against certain pathogens.
- Antifungal: It has been traditionally used for its antifungal activity.
- Anti-inflammatory: Some compounds in the plant may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.
- Insect repellent: Essential oils derived from Tagetes patula can act as a natural insect repellent.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: French marigold can be used in the garden to help protect vegetables like tomatoes from harmful nematodes in the soil.
- Insect Repellent: The strong scent of French marigolds is known to repel insects, and they can be planted around outdoor seating areas to keep pests at bay.
- Natural Dye: The flowers of French marigolds can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, yielding various shades of yellow, gold, and orange.
- Chicken Feed Additive: Dried French marigold flowers can be mixed into chicken feed to enhance the color of egg yolks.
- Rituals and Festivals: French marigolds are often used to decorate during Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, symbolizing the beauty and fragility of life.
- Garden Aesthetics: French marigold's vibrant colors can be utilized in garden design to create visually striking patterns and borders.
- Culinary Decoration: The petals of French marigolds, though not commonly eaten, can serve as an edible garnish to add color to salads and dishes.
- Fragrance Production: The essential oils from French marigold can be extracted for use in perfumes and aromatic products.
- Biological Pest Control: French marigolds can be part of integrated pest management practices to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides in agriculture.
- Art and Craft Supplies: Dried French marigold flowers can be used in potpourri, pressed flower projects, or for decorative purposes in arts and crafts.
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 typically symbolize energy and the warmth of the sun, often associated with life-giving properties and a zest for living.
- Passion and Creativity: The intense red hue of the 'Safari Scarlet' cultivar can represent strong emotions, such as love and passion. It can also stand for artistic expression and inspiration.
- Healing: Marigolds have been used in various cultures for their medicinal properties, symbolizing healing and the promotion of physical and emotional well-being.
- Respect and Admiration: Giving French marigolds can be a sign of deep respect and admiration, with the flower's bold presence often conveying a message of strong feelings.
- Protection: In some traditions, marigolds are believed to act as protectors against negativity and to bring good luck, often planted to keep pests and evil spirits at bay.
- Remembrance: Because they are often used in Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, marigolds, including French marigolds, can symbolize remembrance of loved ones who have passed away.
WaterThe French Marigold needs to be watered regularly; however, ensure that the soil is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. It typically requires watering once a week, but this may vary depending on climate and weather conditions. Use a watering can or hose to apply water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. An average-sized French Marigold will typically need about 1-2 gallons of water per week during the growing season, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions.
LightFrench Marigolds thrive best in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day to produce their vibrant blooms. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced. The best spot for French Marigolds is an area that receives ample morning sun and protection from intense, late-afternoon sun, which can sometimes be too strong.
TemperatureFrench Marigolds prefer warmer climates and do well in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 32°F, but frost can severely damage or kill the plants. The maximum temperature they can tolerate without stress is around 85°F, but extended periods of high heat may affect their blooming and overall health.
PruningPruning French Marigolds encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continual flowering throughout the season. Trimming back leggy branches can also help maintain a tidy appearance. The best time to prune is during the cooler parts of the day, either early morning or late afternoon.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFrench Marigold thrives best in well-draining soil with a mix of peat, perlite, and compost. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is optimal for this plant's growth and flowering.
RepottingFrench Marigold typically does not require frequent repotting; it is often grown as an annual. If grown as a perennial, repot every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingFrench Marigold prefers moderate humidity levels, but it is quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier conditions commonly found in home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot and water when top soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, and ensure soil drains well.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleTagetes patula 'Safari Scarlet', commonly known as French Marigold, begins its life as a seed, which when sown in warm soil, germinates within a week under the right conditions. After germination, the seedling emerges, developing its first true leaves and establishing a root system. As the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, it produces a bushy foliage of finely divided, aromatic leaves. Following the vegetative stage, the plant reaches maturity and begins the flowering stage, which in the case of French Marigolds includes a vibrant display of scarlet red flowers with a pompom-like appearance throughout the summer and well into autumn. After the flowering period, the plant produces seeds, completing the annual cycle, as French Marigolds are typically grown as annuals. When the plant’s life cycle ends with the first frost, the seeds can be collected for replanting the next season, continuing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Tagetes patula 'Safari Scarlet', commonly known as French Marigold, is typically propagated through seeds. The best time to sow French Marigold seeds is in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up. Aim for a soil temperature of about 70°F (21°C). To propagate, scatter the seeds lightly on top of well-drained soil in a sunny location and cover them with a thin layer of soil or compost—no more than 1/8 inch deep. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs, which usually takes 4 to 14 days. Thin the seedlings to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) apart once they’re large enough to handle. This method of propagation is easy and cost-effective, making it the most popular among gardeners.
