Tagetes patula 'Fireball' (d)

RHS Plant Profile
French marigold 'Fireball'
Award of Garden Merit
Annual Biennial Bedding

A compact, bushy annual to around 30cm tall with aromatic foliage and from spring into autumn, double flowerheads 5-7cnm in diameter that open red before turning bronze, deep orange and finally a golden yellow

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus
Tagetes can be annuals or perennials of upright growth, with strongly aromatic pinnately divided leaves and showy daisy-like, single or double flower-heads in summer and autumn
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Water freely in dry spells

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 21°C in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging

Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free