Grand Harlequin Marigold - Tagetes patula seeds

The French Marigold or Tagetes 'Grand Harlequin' is a tall variety that produces flowers at 1m (3ft) or 1.20m (4ft) above the ground. Bicoloured, they are formed of petals striped with a bright golden yellow, bordered on each side by a band of dark red, very graphic. This annual is one of the easiest flowers to succeed with and its early and abundant flowering extends throughout the summer, and even until the frosts, accompanied by beautiful dark green fern-like foliage. 'Grand Harlequin' is ideal in flower beds, bringing lightness, colour and cheerfulness. 

The Tagetes patula is an herbaceous annual plant of the Asteraceae family native to tropical regions of the Americas, from Mexico to Bolivia. The 'Grand Harlequin' variety quickly forms a tall bushy clump with branches from the base, 1m (3ft) to 1.20m (4ft) tall when in flower and 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in) in diameter. Its stems are covered in dark green, highly divided foliage, strongly aromatic, which can be off-putting. Flowering occurs from June-July to October, when faded flowers are regularly removed. The plant offers magnificent striped and bicoloured flower heads, 5 to 6cm (2in) wide, with ligules (the peripheral flowers, highly developed) perfectly arranged, and entirely bicoloured, right up to the centre of the head. This plant easily self-sows in the garden, but not always true to the parent variety.

The French Marigolds are star plants in summer flower beds, they grow by themselves and require very little maintenance. They are sometimes criticised for their garish colours and artificial appearance, but they are so cheerful, easy to grow and floriferous that it would be a shame not to enjoy them. They can be placed in small clusters amidst the grey foliage of artemisias and stachys, with ageratums, or surrounded by greenery, paired with tansies, Kochia Childsii, or grasses that will temper their flamboyant colours. The French Marigold is also an edible flower that can be enjoyed in salads, soups or desserts. Some say its flavour resembles that of passion fruit.