Grow a garden filled with beautiful, Double fiesta Marigold flowers, from freshly harvested Tagetes patula seeds. Double Fiesta is a French Marigold that produces gorgeous, ember like blooms, in shades or vibrant orange and yellow. The blooms measure roughly 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter and are made up of several rows of tightly packed, wavy petals. The plants themselves mature to a height of only 12 inches tall, making them a perfect choice for many large pots and containers. Double Fiesta Marigolds are also widely used in flower beds, window boxes, raised beds & borders as well.
Marigolds, such as Double Fiesta, are grown as annual flowering plants. Annuals will grow quickly from freshly harvested seeds. The plants will flower through the summer months, and will later wilt with the first signs of frost. Seeds can be collected from the spent blooms, prior to the first frost. Resow the following year, or allow the seeds to drop to the bare ground beneath.
To prolong flowering, you can snip off old, dead blooms or “deadhead” spent blooms for fresh flowers to appear. Marigolds are one of our favorites when it comes to gardening, and for good reason too! They also attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees and hummingbirds as well.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: Orange
- Height: Up to 12″ Tall
- Width: 6″ to 10″ Spread
- Season: Annual
- Zones: All
- Environment: Full Sun
Sowing The Seed
Marigolds are among the easiest plants to establish from seed. They can be sown directly outdoors, or in starter pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last forst. If started indoors, sow at a depth of 1/16” under topsoil, in peat pots. Transplant or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Keep in mind that Marigold seeds will require a bit of direct light to properly germinate. Do not cover more than the reccommended sowing depth mentioned above.
Growing Conditions
Marigold flowers will thrive in an area of full sunlight for the majority of the day. Temperatures should be at least 65F to 70F for optimal growth to occur. The soil should never be too fertile, as this will cause your foliage to grow, with little blooms. The sowing medium should be well drained however. To improve drainage, we always recommend that you add in a light compost to your sowing area. Water the seeds daily until germination has occurred.
Germination & Growth
Marigold seeds will typically germinate within 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will reach a mature height of roughly 12 inches tall and can spread roughly 6 inches wide. You can space your marigolds about 12 inches apart from one another. The production of new, fresh flowers can be achieved by dead heading or pruning.