Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Golden Gate French Marigold, Featured Plant of The Day


Tagetes patula 'Golden Gate'
    French Marigold,  Dwarf French Marigold

Type    Annual
Height    10" to 12" / 25cm to 30cm
Spread    18" to 24" / 45cm to 60cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full sun

Bloom Color    Orange
Bloom Time    Summer and Fall

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers and suitable for dried flowers.

Environment
This plant tolerates some drought and a little salt.
This plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green
This plant has fragrant foliage.

Culture Notes
'Golden Gate' was chosen by All-America Selection as a 1989 winner. These plants do very well in hot, dry climates.  Seeds can be sown under glass in early spring.  Dead head frequently to encourage more blooms.  This species has a larger flower head than the Tagetes erecta.  These tender annuals are killed by frost and will sometimes self sow.  In addition to the ability to deter white flies from tomato plants, via its scent, the root of the French Marigold is also able to exude secretions which repel the potentially destructive eelworm.  This plant has several decorative and aromatic uses as well.