Marigold 'Kees' Orange'

Kee's Orange Marigold (Tagetes erecta)

Bold as summer sun and rich as copper velvet, Kees’ Orange unfurls great, ruffled blooms in deep amber-orange. Each flower brims with layered petals, luminous and textured, rising above upright stems that command attention in both garden and bouquet. There’s a celebratory warmth to this marigold—the kind that evokes golden hours, festival garlands, and abundance in full bloom.

A radiant choice for borders, cutting gardens, and companion plantings, Kees’ Orange carries both beauty and purpose. Its glowing blooms mingle beautifully with apricot zinnias for tonal harmony, or stand in vivid contrast beside violet scabiosa for a dramatic summer palette. A flower that feels at once fiery, joyful, and grounding—sunlight made tangible.

Optional: Wear gloves if sensitive to plant oils.

Details:

QTY: 50

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: 1/8"

GERMINATION: 4-14 Days at 21-25°C

HEIGHT: 24 - 28"

MATURITY: 70 - 90 Days

SPACING: 12 - 18"

PINCH: Yes

HOW TO GROW:
Transplant (recommended): Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds 1/8" deep and keep the soil at 21–25°C for optimal germination. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7–10 days before transplanting them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Sowing (alternative): Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost. Plant seeds 1/8" deep and keep the soil consistently moist until germination.

Pinching: Pinching the central stem of young plants will encourage a bushier habit and more blooms. Deadheading spent flowers will also prolong the blooming season.

Soil Preference and Watering: African marigolds thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established but will perform best with regular watering, especially during hot, dry periods.

Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not required for African marigolds. They perform best in average to lean soil. Too much fertility can lead to lush foliage at the expense of blooms.

Harvesting: For bouquets, harvest stems when the flowers are fully open. The blooms have a spicy, citrus scent and are an excellent addition to arrangements.