Tagetes patula. Tidy and compact, its flowers flaunt a wide, densely double golden orange crested center surrounded by deep red petals. Marigolds are the ultimate companion flower. This cheery annual attracts all manner of pollinating insects into the garden and help keep away whiteflies from tomatoes. They’ll bloom for months, too.

HARVEST

• In flower arrangements, strip off any leaves underwater in the vase, discouraging the overly pungent odor.

• Marigolds can be dried for long-lasting floral arrangements. Strip foliage from perfect blossoms and hang them upside down.

• You may see “marigolds” listed as edible flowers. In fact, it’s the flowers of Calendula—notTagetes—that make great additions to a summer dish. Flowers from Tagetes marigolds may be irritating to the skin, so we do not recommend ingesting them.

GROWING

Full Sun

Grows 8-10” inches tall.

Space 12-16 inches apart