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Tagetes Patula French Marigold Bonita

Tagetes patula 'Bonita'

These compact French marigolds burst with fully double, ruffled blooms in warm sunset colors that bloom continuously until frost. Known for their pest-repelling properties and incredible heat tolerance, they're perfect companions for vegetable gardens and containers. Their bushy, mounded habit and non-stop flowering make them ideal for edging and mass plantings.

Harvest

N/Ad

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

2–11

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 Tagetes Patula French Marigold Bonita in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Tagetes Patula French Marigold Bonita · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Very Easy

Spacing6-8 inches

SoilWell-drained soil, tolerates poor soils

pH6.0-7.5

WaterLow to moderate, drought tolerant once established

SeasonWarm season

FlavorN/A

ColorBright mix of yellow, orange, red, and bicolors

Size2-3 inch diameter fully double flowers

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 Bonita marigold blooms last 5-7 days when stored properly. Cut stems and place immediately in clean, cool water. Remove lower leaves that would sit below waterline to prevent bacterial growth. Store arrangements away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

For edible petals, harvest flowers just before use for best flavor. If storing, gently separate petals and layer between slightly damp paper towels in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Pat dry before using as garnishes.

Dry petals for long-term storage by spreading them on screens in a warm, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Properly dried petals retain color and mild flavor for 6-8 months when stored in airtight containers. You can also freeze whole flowers in ice cubes for decorative drinks, or dry entire blooms for potpourri and craft projects.

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, aphids, and whiteflies that commonly attack tomatoes

Basil

Both repel similar pests and basil benefits from marigold's nematode control

Peppers

Marigolds deter aphids, spider mites, and other pests that damage pepper plants

Cucumbers

Marigolds repel cucumber beetles and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Lettuce

Marigolds provide pest control without competing for nutrients with shallow-rooted lettuce

Carrots

Marigolds repel carrot fly and other root pests while improving soil health

Roses

Marigolds deter aphids, nematodes, and Japanese beetles that commonly attack roses

Cabbage

Marigolds repel cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles

Keep Apart

Beans

Marigolds can inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root secretions

Sunflowers

Allelopathic compounds from sunflowers can stunt marigold growth

Brassicas near maturity

Strong marigold scent can negatively affect flavor of mature broccoli and cauliflower

Nutrition Facts

Calories

15kcal(1%)

Protein

1.03g(2%)

Carbs

3.28g(1%)

Fat

0.07g(0%)

Vitamin C

28mg(31%)

Vitamin A

97mcg(11%)

Iron

0.7mg(4%)

Calcium

39mg(3%)

Potassium

173mg(4%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent disease resistance, very hardy annual

Common Pests

Spider mites in hot weather, occasionally aphids

Diseases

Root rot in waterlogged soils, rarely affected by diseases

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Bonita French marigolds take to bloom from seed?▼

Bonita marigolds typically bloom 45-50 days from seed sowing. Seeds started indoors in early spring will begin flowering by early summer and continue until frost. Direct-sown seeds planted after soil warms will flower about 7-8 weeks after planting, making them excellent for succession planting throughout the growing season.

Can you grow Bonita marigolds in containers?▼

Yes, Bonita marigolds are excellent container plants due to their compact 8-10 inch size and mounded growth habit. Use containers at least 6 inches deep with drainage holes. Plant 3 plants in a 12-inch pot for full coverage. Container plants may need more frequent watering but require the same well-draining potting mix and minimal fertilization.

Do Bonita marigolds really repel garden pests?▼

Yes, Bonita marigolds effectively deter many common garden pests including aphids, whiteflies, and soil nematodes through natural compounds in their roots and foliage. Plant them near tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables for natural pest protection. However, they won't eliminate all pest problems and work best as part of integrated pest management strategies.

Are Bonita marigold flowers safe to eat?▼

Yes, Bonita marigold petals are edible and safe for most people. They have a citrusy, slightly bitter flavor that works well as garnishes for salads and desserts. Remove petals from the flower head and use sparingly as the taste can be strong. Always harvest from plants grown without pesticides and introduce gradually to check for individual sensitivities.

When should I deadhead Bonita marigolds?▼

Deadhead Bonita marigolds every 2-3 days during peak growing season to maintain continuous blooming. Remove spent flowers when petals begin to fade and feel papery to the touch. Cut just above the next leaf node or developing bud. While these marigolds are somewhat self-cleaning, regular deadheading significantly increases flower production.

Can Bonita marigolds survive hot summer weather?▼

Bonita marigolds are exceptionally heat-tolerant and actually prefer hot summer weather, thriving in temperatures up to 95°F. They're among the best choices for southern gardens and areas with intense summer heat. During extreme heat waves above 100°F, provide afternoon shade and ensure adequate soil moisture to prevent stress.