Heirloom

Bonanza™ Deep Orange

Tagetes patula

Photo: Ввласенко · Wikimedia Commons · (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Harvest

50d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

1–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

6-12 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Bonanza™ Deep Orange in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

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Bonanza™ Deep Orange · Zones 1–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilWell-drained soil, adapts to various soil types

WaterModerate; drought tolerant once established

SeasonWarm season annual

ColorDeep orange

Size1 1/2-2 1/2"

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 1	May – June	July – August	July – September	—
Zone 2	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 11	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 12	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 13	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—

Succession Planting

Bonanza Deep Orange blooms continuously from a single planting, so you don't need to succession sow the way you would with arugula or cilantro. If you want a flush of tight, fresh plants for fall color or cutting once your spring planting gets leggy, direct sow a second round in late June — at 50 days to bloom, they'll hit their stride right around early September. Stop sowing once daytime highs are holding above 90°F; germination drops off sharply and young seedlings won't establish well in peak summer heat.

Complete Growing Guide

1 1/2-2 1/2" refined crested blooms. Highly uniform plants are more compact than the Durango series. An easy-to-grow addition to garden beds, containers, and small spaces. Classic marigold-orange bloom color. According to Johnny's Selected Seeds, Bonanza™ Deep Orange is 50 days to maturity, annual, open pollinated. Notable features: Grows Well in Containers, Edible Flowers.

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Bonanza™ Deep Orange reaches harvest at 50 days from sowing per Johnny's Selected Seeds. Expect 1 1/2-2 1/2" at peak. As an annual, harvest continues until frost ends the season.

Edibility: Flowers are used to make refreshing drinks and the leaves are used for flavoring.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh marigold blooms should be stored in a cool location between 65-72°F with moderate humidity, ideally in a vase with fresh water. They have a shelf life of 7-14 days when kept cool and away from direct sunlight. For preservation, air-drying is the most popular method—hang bundles upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space for 2-3 weeks. Alternatively, press individual flowers between paper layers for 1-2 weeks to create flat botanical specimens. Silica gel drying offers a faster method (3-7 days) while preserving color more vividly, though it requires careful handling.

History & Origin

Bonanza™ Deep Orange is open-pollinated, meaning seed saved from healthy plants will produce true-to-type offspring. Listed in the Johnny's Selected Seeds catalog.

Origin: Mexico, Guatamala

Advantages

+Refined crested blooms provide elegant, sophisticated appearance compared to standard marigolds.
+Highly uniform plants ensure consistent aesthetic in garden beds and containers.
+Compact growth habit makes it ideal for small spaces and tight plantings.
+Quick 50-day maturity allows rapid garden displays and succession planting.
+Easy cultivation makes it perfect for beginner gardeners and children's gardens.

Considerations

-Refined petals may be more prone to rain damage and splitting.
-Deep orange color can fade noticeably in intense afternoon heat and sunlight.
-Compact size produces fewer total blooms per plant than larger varieties.
-Susceptible to spider mites in hot, dry growing conditions.

Companion Plants

Marigolds earn their spot near tomatoes and peppers because their roots exude alpha-terthienyl, a compound that suppresses root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) — though it takes a full season of growth to build up meaningful levels, so one quick planting won't do much. Basil and nasturtiums add value nearby by layering competing volatile scents that throw off aphids and whiteflies on approach. Fennel is the one to skip — its root secretions stunt a wide range of annuals, and Tagetes patula is no exception. Black walnut is a harder constraint: juglone toxicity from the root zone will yellow and collapse marigolds, so don't plant within the tree's drip line at all.

Plant Together

Basil

Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack marigolds

Tomatoes

Marigolds deter nematodes and whiteflies that damage tomato plants

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting marigolds

Petunias

Similar growing conditions and both repel hornworms and aphids

Zinnias

Attract beneficial predatory insects and complement marigold pest control

Calendula

Similar care requirements and both attract beneficial pollinators

Peppers

Marigolds repel aphids and flea beetles that commonly attack pepper plants

Alyssum

Ground cover that attracts beneficial insects while marigolds handle larger pests

Keep Apart

Black Walnut Trees

Release juglone toxin that causes wilting and death in marigolds

Fennel

Allelopathic compounds inhibit marigold germination and growth

Beans

Marigolds can stunt bean growth and reduce nitrogen fixation

Pests & Disease Resistance

Common Pests

Spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, thrips

Diseases

Powdery mildew, botrytis, root rot in overwatered conditions

Troubleshooting Bonanza™ Deep Orange

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Fine webbing on undersides of leaves, foliage looking dusty or bronzed, especially during hot dry stretches

Likely Causes

Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) — populations explode when temps exceed 85°F and humidity drops
Overcrowded planting that restricts airflow and traps heat near the foliage

What to Do

1.Blast the undersides of leaves with a strong jet of water every 2-3 days — mites hate moisture and this physically knocks them off
2.Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil in the early morning, making sure to coat the leaf undersides
3.Space plants at least 12 inches apart so air can move through the bed

White powdery coating on upper leaf surfaces, usually showing up mid to late summer

Likely Causes

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) — a fungal pathogen that spreads in warm days with cool nights, not wet conditions
Poor airflow from dense planting or crowding by neighboring plants

What to Do

1.Remove and bin (don't compost) the worst-affected leaves as soon as you spot them
2.Spray with a diluted baking soda solution (1 tablespoon per gallon of water) or potassium bicarbonate — repeat every 7 days
3.Next season, space at 15-18 inches and avoid overhead watering in the evening

Stems turning brown and soft at the soil line, plant wilting and collapsing even when the soil is wet

Likely Causes

Root rot from Pythium or Rhizoctonia — almost always triggered by overwatering or poorly drained soil
Planting in heavy clay that holds water after rain

What to Do

1.Pull the affected plant — there's no saving it once the crown is gone — and don't replant marigolds in that spot this season
2.Improve drainage before the next planting by working in 2-3 inches of compost or coarse sand
3.Water only when the top inch of soil is dry; Bonanza marigolds are drought tolerant once established and don't need frequent irrigation

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Bonanza Deep Orange marigold flowers last in a vase?▼

Bonanza Deep Orange blooms typically last 7-14 days in a vase when stored in cool conditions (65-72°F) with fresh water and kept away from direct sunlight. Regular water changes every 2-3 days will extend their vase life. Remove any lower foliage that sits below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth and maintain bloom quality throughout their display period.

Is Bonanza Deep Orange a good marigold for beginners?▼

Yes, Bonanza Deep Orange is excellent for beginners. It's labeled as an easy-to-grow variety that thrives in full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours), adapts to various growing conditions, and produces reliable blooms with minimal care. Its compact, uniform growth habit makes it forgiving and ideal for first-time gardeners working with containers or garden beds.

Can you grow Bonanza Deep Orange marigolds in containers?▼

Absolutely. Bonanza Deep Orange is specifically recommended for containers due to its compact, uniform growth habit—more compact than the Durango series. Use well-draining potting soil, provide 4-6+ hours of sunlight daily, and water when the soil surface feels dry. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season.

When should I plant Bonanza Deep Orange marigold seeds?▼

Plant seeds outdoors after the last frost date when soil temperatures reach 70°F or above. Alternatively, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost for earlier blooms. These tender annuals germinate quickly and prefer warm conditions. Once established, they flower abundantly and reach maturity in about 50 days.

How much spacing do Bonanza Deep Orange marigolds need?▼

Space plants 12-18 inches apart to accommodate their compact growth habit while ensuring good air circulation. Closer spacing is acceptable for containers or dense displays, but adequate spacing reduces disease risk and allows each plant to develop its characteristic uniform, bushy form and maximum blooming potential.

What makes Bonanza Deep Orange different from other marigold varieties?▼

Bonanza Deep Orange features refined crested (doubled) blooms that are 1.5-2.5 inches across, larger than many compact marigolds. It's more compact than the popular Durango series while maintaining excellent uniformity, making it ideal for formal bedding and containers. The classic marigold-orange color and refined flower structure elevate its ornamental appeal.