Marigold French Durango Red
Tagetes patula 'Durango Red'
A vibrant compact French marigold that produces masses of deep red blooms with golden edges throughout the growing season. This heat-tolerant variety is perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, offering reliable color and natural pest-deterrent properties. The sturdy, well-branched plants create stunning borders and container displays while attracting beneficial insects to the garden.
Harvest
60-70d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Marigold French Durango Red in USDA Zone 7
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Marigold French Durango Red · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
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
Bloom time: 'Alumia vanilla cream' 'Aurora orange' 'Bolero' 'Bonanza deep orange' 'Bonita mixed' 'Brocade Mix' 'Golden Boy' 'Ground Control' 'Janie Deep Orange'Good resistance to abiotic disorder. 'Janie Spry'Good resistance to abiotic disorder., 'Alumia vanilla cream', 'Aurora orange', 'Bolero', 'Bonanza deep orange', 'Bonita mixed', 'Brocade Mix', 'Golden Boy', 'Ground Control', 'Janie Deep Orange', 'Janie Spry'
Edibility: Flowers are used to make refreshing drinks and the leaves are used for flavoring.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh marigold flowers last only 2-3 days refrigerated in a loosely covered container with slightly damp paper towels. Never store at room temperature, as petals wilt within hours.
For preservation, remove petals from the bitter white base immediately after harvest. Freeze individual petals on parchment-lined trays, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 6 months – perfect for winter soups and garnishes.
Dry petals by spreading them on screens in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area for 7-10 days until crisp. Store dried petals in airtight containers away from light for up to one year. Use dried petals for teas or as a saffron substitute in rice dishes.
Pickle whole small flower heads in white vinegar with a pinch of salt for colorful cocktail garnishes that last several weeks refrigerated.
History & Origin
Origin: Mexico, Guatamala
Advantages
- +Attracts: Butterflies
- +Wildlife value: Deer Resistant
- +Edible: Flowers are used to make refreshing drinks and the leaves are used for flavoring.
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (Flowers, Leaves, Roots): Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Tomatoes
Marigolds repel nematodes, whiteflies, and aphids that commonly attack tomato plants
Peppers
Marigolds deter aphids, spider mites, and other pests while attracting beneficial insects
Cucumbers
Repels cucumber beetles and aphids while providing ground cover
Beans
Marigolds repel Mexican bean beetles and other harmful insects
Squash
Deters squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and provides pest control
Carrots
Repels carrot flies and nematodes while not competing for space
Lettuce
Provides pest protection and partial shade for cool-season lettuce
Nasturtiums
Both trap crop for aphids and complement each other's pest-repelling properties
Keep Apart
Cabbage
Marigolds can inhibit growth of brassicas through root secretions
Peas
May stunt pea growth and interfere with nitrogen fixation
Mint
Aggressive spreading nature competes with marigolds and can overwhelm them
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to powdery mildew and botrytis
Common Pests
Spider mites, aphids, thrips
Diseases
Root rot in waterlogged soil, gray mold in humid conditions