Marigold – French – Petite Mixture

Growing Temp 65°F – 75°F
Days to Maturity 50-60 days

Ease of Cultivation and uses: Marigold ‘French – Petite Mixture’ is a compact, dwarf variety known for its vibrant mix of red, orange, and yellow blooms. It is easy to grow and perfect for garden borders, containers, or small flower beds. This low-maintenance plant thrives in sunny conditions and is heat-tolerant, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners. The flowers are edible, adding a pop of color to salads, desserts, and garnishes, and they also make excellent companion plants in vegetable gardens due to their pest-repellent properties.

Direct Sowing: For direct sowing, plant ‘Petite Mixture’ seeds outdoors after the last frost, when soil temperatures have reached 65°F or higher. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 6–8 inches apart in well-drained soil. Germination occurs in 5–7 days. Keep the soil evenly moist during germination, but once the plants are established, they are drought-tolerant and require minimal care. Full sun is ideal for optimal growth and bloom production.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: Start ‘Petite Mixture’ seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost for an early start. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays with a light potting mix, and maintain a temperature of around 70°F. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves and outdoor temperatures have warmed, transplant them into the garden, spacing them 6–8 inches apart. Water thoroughly after transplanting to encourage strong root development.

Harvesting: Marigold ‘French – Petite Mixture’ flowers are ready to harvest when fully open and vibrant in color. The best time to harvest is early in the morning when the blooms are fresh. Use clean scissors to cut the flowers at the base of the stem. Regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season. The flowers can be used fresh or dried for both decorative and culinary purposes.