Fothergill's Marigold French Red Cherry Seeds

Details:

• Botanical Name: Tagetes patula, a premium French Marigold selection celebrated for its intense colouration.
• Plant Class: Half Hardy Annual, establishing rapidly from seed to provide a heavy profusion of flowers in the exact same season.
• Striking Appearance: Features unique mahogany-red, double-crested flower heads decorated with a contrasting golden border that stands out vividly against lush green foliage.
• Growth & Structure: Reaches a neat, manageable height of 25cm (10in) with a compact, bushy, and ground-covering habit that holds its shape beautifully.
• Practical Companion Planting: Functions as an excellent, natural pest deterrent in vegetable plots while simultaneously attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
• Versatile Garden Layout: Highly versatile and perfect for formal border edging, geometric flower beds, or packed tightly into patio containers and window boxes.
• Ideal for Cutting: The vibrant, sturdy flower heads make a great choice for cutting, allowing you to bring rich country colours indoors for fresh floral arrangements.
• Ideal Position: Thrives at its absolute best when planted in well-drained soil and positioned in full sun, showing excellent drought tolerance once established.

Care Instructions:

• Sowing Location: For an early summer display, sow seeds undercover in trays of high-quality seed compost from late winter to mid-spring. Alternatively, sow directly outdoors into finely prepared soil once all danger of frost has passed.
• Watering Requirements: Maintain regular and even watering during the early germination and establishment stages; once mature, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Plant Care: Deadhead the faded crested flower heads regularly throughout the summer months; this straightforward routine prevents early seed formation and successfully extends the overall blooming period until the arrival of autumn frosts.