Phyllis African Marigold is a bold, full-sized cultivar of Tagetes erecta that reaches a steady 24 inches tall, making it a commanding presence in any sunny garden. This frost-tender annual thrives in hardiness zones 2 through 11 and rewards gardeners with vibrant blooms throughout the season when given full sun and moderate water. Starting seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date gives you the strongest plants, though direct sowing is also possible once soil temperatures hit 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
24in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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At a full 24 inches tall, Phyllis brings substantial height and presence to garden beds and borders without sprawling or requiring support. Its African marigold genetics deliver the large, showy flower heads the category is known for, thriving in full sun with just moderate water needs. The variety grows reliably across a remarkably wide hardiness range, from zone 2 to 11, and germinates quickly when temperatures stay between 70 and 80 degrees.
African marigolds like Phyllis are grown primarily as ornamental flowers for garden beds, borders, and cut flower arrangements. The cheerful blooms add bright color to summer and fall displays and are often used in decorative plantings where their tall, substantial stems and large flower heads create strong visual impact.
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Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Sow seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch in seed starting mix kept at 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds should germinate within 7 to 10 days under these conditions.
Transplant seedlings outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, once the soil has warmed to at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Space plants 10 to 12 inches apart. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting.
Direct sow seeds outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, when soil temperature reaches 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch and keep soil consistently moist until germination.
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