French Marigold Tagetes patula 'Tiger Eyes' (King; Marshall)
ABOUT
Tagetes patula 'Tiger Eyes', commonly known as French marigold, flaunts uniquely captivating blossoms. Its flowers showcase a memorable display, with petals that possess a striking gradient of colors; they often transition from a deep reddish-brown near the center, to vibrant shades of yellow toward the edges, resembling the intense gaze of a tiger. This contrast creates a bold, eye-catching effect that adds dramatic flair to any garden setting. The petals typically have a velvety texture and are slightly ruffled, adding to their ornamental charm. The leaves of the French marigold are equally distinctive, presenting a fine, fern-like appearance that is deep green in color. They are known for their aromatic quality, which can further enliven a garden's sensory experience. The French marigold overall provides a compact and lush appearance, making it a popular choice for garden borders, floral arrangements, and as a complementary plant among vegetables in kitchen gardens, thanks to its reputed ability to deter certain pests.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
French Marigold, African Marigold.
Common names
Tagetes patula 'Tiger Eyes' (King; Marshall).
ToxicityTo humans
French Marigold is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction or dermatitis from handling the plant, especially if they have a sensitivity to plants in the Asteraceae family. Ingesting parts of the plant is not commonly associated with poisoning, but it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some cases. It is always wise to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption.
To pets
French Marigold is not known to be highly toxic to pets. However, ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea, particularly in smaller pets or those with sensitive systems. It is always prudent to prevent pets from consuming plants not meant for their diet to avoid any potential discomfort or complications.
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: Tagetes patula 'Tiger Eyes', commonly known as French Marigold, adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens with its striking striped flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red.
- Pest Deterrent: The plant is known to release compounds that can deter certain pests, making it a useful companion in vegetable gardens to protect other plants.
- Low Maintenance: French Marigolds are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions, making them suitable for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering, which is beneficial in arid climates or during water restrictions.
- Pollinator Attraction: The blooms of French Marigolds attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination of surrounding plants.
- Edging and Borders: These marigolds are compact and good for creating defined edges or borders in garden beds or along pathways.
- Seasonal Flexibility: French Marigolds bloom from early summer until frost, providing long-lasting color through multiple seasons.
- Soil Improvement: When used as a cover crop, marigolds can help improve soil health and structure over time.
- Container Gardening: The plant is well-suited for container gardening, allowing people with limited space to enjoy their bright blooms on patios or balconies.
Medical PropertiesThis 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 planted in vegetable gardens to deter harmful nematodes and pests through its strong scent.
- Chicken feed additive: The petals can be added to chicken feed to deepen the color of egg yolks due to the presence of lutein.
- Livestock bedding: Dried French marigold plants can be used as bedding for livestock due to their insect-repelling properties.
- Dye production: The flowers of French marigold can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics and food.
- Traditional ceremonies: In some cultures, French marigolds are used in ceremonial garlands or decorations due to their bright color and symbolism of warmth.
- Garden aesthetic: With its striking colors, French marigold can be used to create eye-catching patterns and borders in ornamental gardens.
- Soil health indicator: French marigolds can indicate nematode infestations by exhibiting poor growth when planted in affected areas.
- Biocontrol agent: Incorporating the plant into the soil can suppress certain weeds and help control some garden pests.
- Seed collecting: French marigold seeds are easy to collect and save from year to year, making them popular among heirloom plant enthusiasts.
- Photography subject: Because of its vibrant colors, French marigold provides an excellent subject for macro and nature photographers.
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- Lifespan and Vigilance: Marigolds are known to bloom abundantly throughout the growing season. The 'Tiger Eyes' marigold, with its striking patterns, symbolizes the perpetual aspects of life and the need for vigilance due to its intense, watchful appearance.
- Energetic Vibrancy: The bold orange and red colors of the 'Tiger Eyes' marigold are representative of vibrant energy and passion, infusing an environment with vitality and enthusiasm.
- Protection: Marigolds, in general, are believed to possess protective qualities, warding off pests in gardens. The 'Tiger Eyes' variety, with its fierce name and bold appearance, amplifies this symbolism, suggesting a strong protective presence.
- Healing: Since ancient times, marigolds have been used for their medicinal properties. The 'Tiger Eyes' marigold symbolizes healing and the soothing of physical and emotional pains.
- Respect and Admiration: Giving a marigold often signals admiration and deep respect. The unique 'Tiger Eyes' marigold, with its distinctive patterns, suggests an extra layer of fascination and respect towards the recipient.
- Overcoming Challenges: Marigolds are hardy plants that can thrive in adverse conditions. The 'Tiger Eyes' marigold, with its fierce and vibrant appearance, signifies resilience and the ability to overcome life's challenges.
- Beauty and Warmth: The warm colors of the 'Tiger Eyes' marigold are symbolic of beauty and the comfort of warmth, often bringing to mind the beauty of a sunset or the warm embrace of the sun.
- Remembrance: Marigolds are commonly used during Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebrations to honor the memory of ancestors. The 'Tiger Eyes' marigold may be used in this context to symbolize remembrance with a distinctive flair.
WaterFrench Marigolds should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This usually means watering at least once a week, but the frequency can increase to every few days during hot, dry periods. It is essential to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. A good method is to apply water directly to the soil around the base of the plant, not the foliage, using a watering can or hose with a gentle nozzle. Each plant typically needs about 8-16 ounces of water per watering session, ensuring even soil moisture.
LightFrench Marigolds thrive best in full sunlight. They should be placed in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can tolerate partial shade, the flowers may not be as plentiful or vibrant. The ideal location would be in a south-facing garden or window where they are exposed to the most intense light throughout the day.
TemperatureFrench Marigolds prefer warm temperatures and do well in conditions between 60°F and 75°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F but will not survive frost; their maximum temperature threshold is about 90°F. It's ideal to plant them after the danger of frost has passed in the spring, and they will continue to bloom until the first frost of fall.
PruningPruning French Marigolds is necessary to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch off the tops of the plants when they are young to stimulate branching. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly to promote continuous flowering. The best time for this maintenance is in the late afternoon or early evening when the plants are not under direct sunlight.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFrench Marigold 'Tiger Eyes' prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of peat, compost, and perlite or sand is ideal. Maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingFrench Marigold 'Tiger Eyes' generally does not need repotting as it is an annual plant. It lives for one season and then can be replanted each year with fresh soil.
Humidity & MistingFrench Marigold 'Tiger Eyes' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate conditions. Excessive humidity can lead to fungal problems, so aim for average room humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place French Marigold 'Tiger Eyes' in bright, indirect light inside.
Outdoor
Plant French Marigold 'Tiger Eyes' in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleTagetes patula 'Tiger Eyes', commonly known as French Marigold, begins its journey as a seed, which when sown in fertile, well-draining soil and given adequate warmth and moisture, will germinate within 5 to 7 days. The seedlings soon develop true leaves and with adequate sunlight, they grow rapidly, reaching flowering maturity in about 6 to 8 weeks. At maturity, French Marigolds exhibit brightly colored flowers with a distinct pattern that is characteristic of the 'Tiger Eyes' variety. During their blooming period, which lasts through the summer until fall, they attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, which aid in the plant's reproduction process. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds that are dispersed when the flower heads dry out and split open. The life cycle can start anew when these seeds are planted or naturally find suitable ground in which to germinate.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
French Marigold 'Tiger Eyes' is commonly propagated through seeds. The best time to sow these seeds is typically in the early spring after the danger of frost has passed for outdoor planting, or earlier if sowing indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill. To propagate by seeds, scatter them lightly on top of moist, well-drained seed starting mix, gently pressing them into the surface since they need light to germinate. Covering the seed tray with plastic wrap or a transparent lid can help to maintain humidity. It's essential to keep the soil temperature around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius) for optimal germination, which usually occurs within 5 to 14 days. Once seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden, spaced about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and air circulation.
