Marigold Bonanza Orange

The Bonanza Orange Marigold, Tagetes patula Bonanza Orange, offers large double flowers in a vibrant orange colour, carried on sturdy stems early in the season. They stand tall above a beautiful dark green fern-like foliage, lasting until the end of summer. This early-flowering, floriferous, compact, and robust variety is ideal for borders or containers, and will thrive in any garden, from the simplest to the most elaborate. Very easy to grow in well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade.

Tagetes patula is an annual herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family, native to tropical regions of the Americas, from Mexico to Bolivia. It quickly forms a small bushy and branching mound, 30 cm (12in) tall and 25 cm (10in) in diameter, covered in dark green, highly dissected, strongly aromatic foliage, which may have an unpleasant smell. The flowering, particularly early and long-lasting, continues from May to October if dead flowers are regularly removed. 'Bonanza Orange' offers magnificent fully double capitules, measuring up to 6cm (2in) in diameter, perfectly arranged. The bright orange colour is intense and completely uniform, slightly darker at the centre of the inflorescence. This plant readily self-seeds in the garden, but is not always true to the parent variety.

Marigolds are star plants in summer beds. They are sometimes criticised for their garish colours and formal habit, but they are so cheerful, easy to grow, and floriferous that it would be a shame not to enjoy them in borders and containers. They can be placed in small clusters amidst the grey foliage of artemisias and stachys, with ageratums, or surrounded by greenery, paired with tansies, Kochia Childsii, or small grasses that will soften their flamboyant colouring. Marigolds are also edible flowers that can be enjoyed in salads, soups, or desserts. Some think their flavour resembles that of passion fruits.

The scent of marigold foliage, and the substances secreted by their roots, repel certain pests, which is why these plants are often installed among vegetables in the vegetable garden.

Note: Please be aware that our plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, transplant and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before being planted outside once the risk of frost has definitively passed.