Marigold, Giant Orange

Giant Orange marigolds produce massive 3-4 inch pom-pom flowers in brilliant orange on tall stems perfect for cutting. These African marigolds bloom nonstop all summer and supposedly deter pests while attracting beneficial insects.

Marigold: Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are cheerful, easy-to-grow annuals that produce continuous blooms from late spring to frost while offering functional benefits in the garden. They release a pungent scent that reportedly deters pests and attracts beneficial insects, and certain varieties may help suppress soil nematodes. French types (T. patula) stay compact at 8-12 inches with intricate flowers, while African types (T. erecta) reach up to 3 feet with huge 4-inch pom-poms. Both varieties thrive in heat and tolerate poor soil and drought with minimal care, making them excellent, long-lasting cut flowers.

• Growing Tips: Transplant after the last frost, spacing French types 8-12 inches apart or African types 18 inches apart; pinch young plants to encourage robust branching.

• Sun Requirements: Full sun (minimum 6-8 hours).

• Preferred Soil: Average, well-drained soil; highly tolerant of poor soil and drought conditions.

• Harvest Details: Deadhead spent blooms regularly for continuous flowering; cut flowers have a 7-10 day vase life; evidence suggests root secretions from certain varieties may reduce soil nematode populations.