MARIGOLD

Tagetes. Half-hardy annual



Marigolds of several classes are valued for the profuse display of their

golden flowers in the later summer months. The choicest are the

so-called French, or Tagetes patula, which have richly coloured

flowers, and some of the varieties are beautifully striped. For their

high quality these Marigolds are judged by the florists' standards. The

African, or Tagetes erecta, make large bushy plants with flowers

'piled high' in the centre; the colours are intense orange and yellow.

in various shades. The bedding section is represented by the dwarf

varieties of Tagetes patula, or Dwarf French Marigolds; also by

Tagetes signata, a very neat plant with fine foliage and rather small

orange-coloured flowers, produced in great abundance. In hot seasons and

on dry soils this proves an admirable substitute for the Calceolaria,

which does not thrive when short of food, whereas the Tagetes bears

drought, the shade of trees, and a poor soil with patience, and up to a

certain point with advantage. Sow all these in March in a moderate heat,

and prick the plants out in the usual way, taking care finally to allot

them sunny positions. Seed may also be sown in the open ground at the

end of April or early in May.



The section of Pot Marigolds, Calendula officinalis, includes two

remarkably handsome varieties, Orange King and Lemon Queen; the flowers

of both are large, double, perfectly formed, and are worth a place in

the choicest garden. These may be sown on the open border in March,

April, and May, and the best place for them is in the full sun on a

rather dry poor soil, but they are not particular, provided they are not

much shaded.