Marigold Mission Giant Yellow - Tagetes erecta seeds

Marigold or Tagetes 'Mission Giant Yellow' is a tall selection, with chrysanthemum-like flowers in a beautiful lemon yellow. It forms harmonious clumps, with a sturdy habit and intricate flowers. These superb, very floriferous annuals structure borders and highlight flower beds throughout the summer with their bright colour, before forming sunny bouquets in the house.

Tagetes erecta, better known as Marigold, is a plant from the asteraceae family native to Mexico, Central America, and the western part of South America. This perennial species, although frost-sensitive, has given rise to numerous varieties and hybrids, among which is the tall and floriferous 'Mission Giant Yellow'. This annual plant quickly forms compact clumps that reach 70 cm in height and 60 cm in width, covered with finely cut, pinnate, dark green foliage rich in essential oils, which is distinguished by its particular fragrance. Its flowering is magnificent: its lemon-yellow double flower heads measure 8 cm in diameter. The beautifully fringed ligules give the flower a unique charm.

Marigolds are star plants in summer flower beds. Their long-lasting fresh colour allows for endless uses, as edging along a path or highlighting summer or autumn flower beds. Plant them with annual and perennial plants that love the sun, such as lavender, sage, cosmos, daylilies, coreopsis, and nasturtiums.

The scent of marigold foliage and the substances secreted by their roots repel certain pests harmful to crops, which is why these plants are often planted in the middle of vegetable gardens. Marigold extract is used to produce a food colouring called zeaxanthin or E151h, a natural pigment safe for human consumption.