Marigolds spotlight

African marigold

First class garden cultivar! Tagetes erecta 'Perfection™ Gold' produces blooms of brilliant gold on an upright plant. The 'Perfection' series adds nice garden height to the landscape. Extra large, rounded flower heads bear an overlaid petal formation, giving these plants good tolerance to adverse weather conditions. 'Perfection' series marigolds produce fully double yellow, gold and orange flowerheads. In general, marigolds are robust, trouble free plants which branch vigorously. Leaves are finely divided, to 4 inches long, and medium green. Abundant pale yellow to orange blooms with large, dense collections of small petals from early summer to frost. Though thought of as a summer annual, works well for fall plantings too, especially as a chrysanthemum substitute. Great for borders and containers. A natural insect repellant for herb and vegetable gardens. Remove and discard spent flowers to encourage extended flowering and reduce "housing" for insects and disease. Foliage contact can irritate skin allergies. [Source: http://www.backyardgardener.com] Plant in full sun and water during periods of drought. USDA Zones 9 - 11. Marigolds are tender tropical plants and are killed by frost. Grown widely as garden annuals. Propagation: The black needle-like seeds can be easily sown directly where they are to be grown - even by young kids. When seedlings are 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) high thin to 12 in (30 cm) apart. They can also be sown indoors and transplanted outdoors when danger of frost has passed. [source: http://www.floridata.com/ref/T/tage_spp.cfm] --edited by dtd siegelgirl