French Marigold Tagetes patula 'Safari Tangerine' (Safari Series)
ABOUT
The Tagetes patula 'Safari Tangerine', popularly known as French marigold, is a vibrant annual flower known for its dazzling shades and decorative appeal. This variety, belonging to the Safari Series, boasts a spectacular visual display of semi-double to double flowers. The blooms are characterized by their warm, tangerine orange petals that often create an eye-catching gradient, transitioning to a darker orange or reddish hue near the center. The French marigold's petals are dense and layered, creating a frilly, fluffy look that adds to its charm. The foliage of the French marigold 'Safari Tangerine' is equally attractive, featuring small, fern-like leaves that are a deep green. These leaves provide a lush backdrop to the colorful flowers, enhancing their radiance. The overall appearance of the plant is bushy and full, with an abundant amount of blooms that cover the plant throughout the growing season, creating a continuous splash of color. The plant is well-branched, which allows for numerous flowers to develop and be displayed prominently. The distinct aroma of French marigold foliage is another notable characteristic, often described as musky or pungent. This scent is a natural deterrent to some garden pests, making the 'Safari Tangerine' both a beautiful and functional addition to gardens and landscapes. It's a popular choice for borders, containers, and as companion plants in vegetable gardens due to their pest-repelling qualities. The vibrance and easy-care nature of this plant make it an appealing choice for gardeners looking to add long-lasting color to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
French Marigold, Safari Tangerine Marigold.
Common names
Tagetes patula 'Safari Tangerine'
ToxicityTo humans
French marigold (Tagetes patula) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, some individuals may have sensitivity or allergic reactions if they have a particular sensitivity to the Asteraceae family. Ingesting parts of the plant may rarely cause mild gastrointestinal upset. There are no severe toxicity symptoms generally associated with this plant for humans.
To pets
French marigold (Tagetes patula) is also generally considered non-toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Similar to humans, ingesting the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, particularly if ingested in large quantities. But there is no widespread reported problem of significant toxicity in domestic pets from consuming French marigolds.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Spread
6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant tangerine-orange blooms of French Marigold 'Safari Tangerine' add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Pest Deterrent: The plant can help repel certain insects and nematodes in the garden due to its natural chemical compounds.
- Companion Planting: French Marigold is often used in companion planting to benefit vegetables and other garden plants by deterring harmful pests.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance, and is great for beginner gardeners.
- Long Blooming: French Marigold 'Safari Tangerine' has a long flowering period that lasts from early summer until frost, providing lasting color.
- Edging and Borders: It's often used for edging paths and borders due to its compact growth habit.
- Pot and Container Gardening: The marigold is suitable for container gardening, allowing those with limited space to enjoy its beauty.
- Pollinator Friendly: Its flowers can attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Versatility: The plant is versatile and can be used in a variety of garden designs and themes.
- Cut Flowers: French Marigold 'Safari Tangerine' can be used as cut flowers to brighten indoor spaces.
- Seasonal Interest: The bright colors of the blooms add interest and contrast to the autumn garden landscape.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: French Marigold is often used in gardens to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help control aphids and other pests on nearby plants.
- Color Dye: The vibrant petals of the French Marigold can be used to make a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a yellow, orange, or red hue depending on the mordant used.
- Nematode Control: French Marigolds release a substance from their roots that can be effective in controlling nematodes in soil when planted as a cover crop.
- Chicken Feed Additive: Dried French Marigold petals can be added to chicken feed to deepen the color of egg yolks due to the lutein content in the petals.
- Decoration: Fresh or dried French Marigold flowers are often used in garlands, wreaths, or as tabletop decorations for their vibrant color and pleasant fragrance.
- Traditional Ceremonies: In some cultures, French Marigolds are used in festive or religious occasions for ornamentation or as offerings due to their symbolic associations.
- Garden Borders: French Marigolds are frequently planted in garden borders or edging paths to add a splash of color and define garden sections.
- Seed Harvesting: Gardeners can collect the seeds of French Marigolds for propagation, as they are easy to harvest and grow for the following season.
- Fragrance Extraction: The essential oil from French Marigold flowers can be extracted and used in perfumery and aromatherapy for its unique scent.
- Photography Subjects: The striking appearance of the French Marigold makes it an excellent subject for botanical and garden photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMarigold is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMarigold is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Life and Vitality: The vibrant orange color of French Marigold 'Safari Tangerine' symbolizes strong life force and vitality, reflecting the plant's robust nature and hardy growth.
- Elegance and Grace: As part of the distinguished Safari series, this marigold represents sophistication with its uniform flower pattern and graceful appearance.
- Positive Energy: Marigolds are often associated with the sun due to their bright colors, and the warm tangerine hue of this variety is said to convey positivity and good energy.
- Protection: Throughout history, marigolds have been thought to possess protective qualities, warding off pests and negative influences in the garden and in peoples' lives.
- Healing: Traditionally, marigolds have been used in various cultures for their medicinal properties, symbolizing healing and the restoration of health.
- Passion and Creativity: The intense colors of the French Marigold 'Safari Tangerine' stimulate feelings of passion and spark creativity in individuals who admire or work with them.
- Remembrance: In some cultures, marigolds are used in ceremonies and rituals to honor the memory of loved ones, representing remembrance and the continuity of life.
WaterFrench marigolds should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage healthy root development. On average, this may be once or twice a week depending on climate conditions, but you should adjust the frequency to your local weather and the plant's environment. Provide enough water to soak the roots without waterlogging, which might be approximately 1 gallon for outdoor plants or 8-16 ounces for potted marigolds. During hot, dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary, while rainy periods may reduce the need.
LightFrench marigolds thrive in full sun conditions, where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They perform best when planted in a location that provides ample morning sunlight and some protection from intense afternoon heat, if possible, to prevent wilting.
TemperatureFrench marigolds prefer warm temperatures and do best in a range that is between 60-75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures of about 50°F but will not tolerate frost, and the maximum temperature they can handle without stress is around 90°F. It's ideal to plant them after the last frost date in spring when the temperature consistently stays above 50°F at night.
PruningPruning French marigolds by deadheading spent flowers encourages bushier growth and more blooms. It's best to snip or pinch off the faded blooms regularly throughout the blooming season. You may also prune back the foliage lightly in midsummer to rejuvenate the plants if they become leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe French Marigold thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, at a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts can create an ideal environment for this vibrant annual plant.
RepottingFrench Marigolds generally don’t require repotting as they are annual plants. They should be planted or sown anew each growing season.
Humidity & MistingFrench Marigolds are not particularly humidity sensitive but prefer moderate ambient moisture. They perform well in the typical humidity levels found outdoors in their growing season.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright sunlight; ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, protect from strong winds, regular deadheading.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleTagetes patula 'Safari Tangerine', also known as French Marigold, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in warm, moist soil, typically in early spring. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, developing a pair of cotyledons before true leaves begin to form, marking the seedling stage. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage, where it develops a strong stem and a bushy form with vibrant green foliage. The plant then progresses to the flowering stage, during which it produces numerous tangerine-colored blooms that may be single or double, with the flowering period usually spanning from early summer to fall. Following pollination, the French Marigold sets seeds in small, spiny brown husks, completing its reproductive cycle. Lastly, as an annual plant, it completes its life cycle within one growing season, after which it dies, relying on the dropped seeds to propagate the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The French Marigold (Tagetes patula) 'Safari Tangerine' variety is commonly propagated by seeds. The best time to sow French Marigold seeds is during spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up, which is typically after March in many temperate climates. To propagate, seeds are lightly pressed into the soil or covered with a thin layer of soil, about 1/8 inch (around 3 mm) deep, since they need darkness to germinate. They are usually spaced about 8 inches (about 20 cm) apart to allow for bushy growth. The seeds should be kept moist and will generally germinate within 5 to 7 days at a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (about 21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Once the seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves, they can be thinned or transplanted to their final growing positions. It's important to harden off the plants by gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions before planting them out in the garden to prevent shock.
