Heirloom

Durango Red

Tagetes patula

Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim · Wikimedia Commons · (GFDL 1.2)

Highly branching, uniform, robust plants. A great choice for garden beds and pots for its compact habit. Abundant 2-2 1/2" blooms. Bright red flowers are beautiful in late summer and fall gardens. Attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies. Also known as French marigold. Edible Flowers: Use the flowers to dress up salads and desserts or cooked in egg or rice dishes. Flavor is floral with hints of citrus and spice, and slightly bitter. Remove the petals from the flower base before consuming as the base can be quite bitter.

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 Durango Red in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

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Durango Red · Zones 1–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilWell-draining soil

WaterModerate

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorFloral flavor with hints of citrus and spice, slightly bitter undertone; use petals only after removing bitter flower base.

ColorBright red

Size2-2 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

Durango Red germinates in 7-10 days and hits bloom around day 50 from seed, so two well-timed rounds will keep flowers going from late spring through hard frost. Start the first batch indoors in late February or early March, transplant after last frost in April or May, then direct-sow a second round in May or early June for late-summer color. In zone 7, stop sowing by late June — plants started after that won't reach full bloom before first frost cuts them down.

Spider mites tend to flare on heat-stressed plants above 90°F, so the midsummer gap between sowings actually helps break the mite cycle a bit. Don't push a third sowing into July hoping for a fall flush; the plants will struggle and the bed space is better spent on something that can actually finish.

Complete Growing Guide

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

Durango Red reaches harvest at 50 days from sowing per Johnny's Selected Seeds. Expect 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 flowers should be stored in a cool location away from direct sunlight and ripening fruits, which emit ethylene gas. Keep stems in water at 65–70°F for 1–2 weeks. For longer preservation, dry petals on a screen in a warm, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for 1–2 weeks until papery, then store in airtight containers away from light. Alternatively, freeze petals in ice cube trays with water for culinary use, or preserve in sugar syrup for decorative applications on cakes and desserts.

History & Origin

Durango Red 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

+Compact, highly branching growth habit makes it ideal for containers and beds
+Abundant 2-2.5 inch bright red flowers provide stunning late summer and fall color
+Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, supporting a healthier garden ecosystem
+Edible flowers with floral, citrus, and spice notes work well in culinary dishes
+Easy to grow variety requiring minimal care and expertise

Considerations

-Petals must be separated from bitter flower base before eating them
-French marigolds are susceptible to spider mites and powdery mildew in humid conditions
-Requires deadheading regularly to maintain continuous blooming throughout the season

Companion Plants

Durango Red pairs well with warm-season annuals that don't compete aggressively for root space. Alyssum and Lobelia stay under 6 inches tall and fill gaps without shading the marigold's base. Cosmos and Zinnias draw in parasitic wasps and hoverflies — which matters because aphids hit Tagetes patula pretty reliably by midsummer and those beneficials do real work against them. Nasturtiums are worth planting nearby as a trap crop: aphids tend to hit them first, giving you an early sign to act before pressure builds on the marigolds.

Keep Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) well away — it's allelopathic to a wide range of annuals and suppresses neighbors within 18-24 inches. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) is a harder constraint: it releases juglone through its roots and leaf litter, and soil under an established walnut can stay phytotoxic for years after the tree is gone. Eucalyptus has similar allelopathic chemistry in its leaf debris. All three are beds to avoid, not just plants to space away from.

Plant Together

Alyssum

Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps that control aphids

Marigolds

Repel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies while attracting pollinators

Petunias

Repel aphids, tomato hornworms, and other garden pests

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, attracting them away from marigolds

Zinnias

Attract beneficial predatory insects and provide complementary colors in garden design

Cosmos

Attract beneficial insects like lacewings and provide vertical structure without competition

Lobelia

Provides ground cover and attracts pollinators while tolerating similar growing conditions

Salvia

Repels harmful insects and attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies

Keep Apart

Fennel

Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of nearby flowering plants

Black Walnut

Releases juglone toxin that causes stunted growth and yellowing in sensitive plants

Eucalyptus

Produces allelopathic oils that suppress germination and growth of nearby plants

Pests & Disease Resistance

Common Pests

Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies

Diseases

Powdery mildew, root rot in poorly drained soil

Troubleshooting Durango Red

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

Tiny clusters of soft-bodied insects on new growth and flower buds, stems sometimes sticky or curled

Likely Causes

Aphid infestation (commonly Myzus persicae or Aphis gossypii) — populations explode fast in warm, dry spells
Excess nitrogen from over-fertilizing, which produces the soft new growth aphids prefer

What to Do

1.Knock them off with a firm stream of water from a hose — do this three mornings in a row
2.Spray insecticidal soap directly on the colonies, making sure to hit the undersides of leaves
3.Lay off high-nitrogen fertilizer for the rest of the season; Durango Red doesn't need much anyway

White powdery coating on upper leaf surfaces, usually appearing after day 40 in humid or crowded conditions

Likely Causes

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) — thrives when nights are cool and days are warm, especially with poor airflow
Plants spaced closer than 12 inches, which traps moisture around foliage

What to Do

1.Strip and bin the worst-affected leaves — don't compost them
2.Thin or relocate any plants crowded tighter than 12 inches apart
3.Apply a baking soda spray (1 tablespoon baking soda + 1 teaspoon dish soap per gallon of water) weekly until new growth comes in clean

Plant wilting despite adequate watering, yellowing at the base, roots brown and mushy when you pull it

Likely Causes

Root rot from Pythium or Phytophthora species — almost always triggered by poorly drained soil or containers without drainage holes
Overwatering in heavy clay where water sits more than a few hours after rain

What to Do

1.Pull the affected plant — it won't recover once roots are gone, and leaving it spreads the pathogen
2.Before replanting, work 2-3 inches of coarse compost or perlite into the bed 8-10 inches deep to open up drainage
3.In containers, switch to pots with at least one drainage hole per 6 inches of diameter and don't water again until the top inch of mix is dry

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Durango Red marigold flowers last in a vase?▼

Fresh cut Durango Red marigold flowers typically last 1–2 weeks when placed in fresh water and kept in a cool location away from direct sunlight and ethylene-producing fruits. Change water every 2–3 days and remove any submerged foliage to extend their vase life. These hardy flowers are more durable than many ornamental flowers, making them excellent for fresh arrangements.

Can you grow Durango Red marigolds in containers?▼

Yes, Durango Red marigolds are excellent for containers. Their compact, highly branching habit makes them ideal for pots and garden beds. They thrive in well-draining potting soil and perform well in full sun to partial shade (4–6+ hours). Container-grown plants may need slightly more frequent watering than in-ground plants, but their uniform growth makes them perfect for decorative pots and hanging baskets.

What do Durango Red marigold flowers taste like?▼

The petals have a distinctive floral flavor with hints of citrus and spice, complemented by a slightly bitter undertone. Remove petals from the bitter flower base before consuming. The flavor works well in salads, desserts, egg dishes, and rice preparations. Start with small amounts to gauge personal preference, as the slight bitterness may not appeal to everyone.

When should I plant Durango Red marigold seeds?▼

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost, or direct sow after the last frost date when soil has warmed. These heat-loving annuals germinate quickly (typically 7–10 days) and reach harvest in about 50 days. They prefer full sun and warm conditions, so avoid planting too early in cold soil. They flower prolifically through late summer and fall.

Are Durango Red marigolds good for beginners?▼

Absolutely. Durango Red marigolds are classified as easy to grow and are perfect for beginner gardeners. They're heat-tolerant, forgiving of various soil conditions, and produce abundant blooms with minimal care. Their robust, branching habit ensures reliable performance in both garden beds and containers, making them an excellent choice for those new to flower gardening.

Do Durango Red marigolds attract pollinators?▼

Yes, Durango Red marigolds attract beneficial insects, particularly hoverflies, which are valuable natural pest controllers in the garden. Their abundant 2–2.5 inch blooms provide nectar and pollen sources throughout the growing season. Beyond their ornamental and culinary value, they serve an important ecological function by supporting beneficial insect populations.