Kilimanjaro White African Marigold is a pure-white cultivar of Tagetes erecta, the classic African marigold prized for its large, full flower heads and reliable performance in gardens across zones 2 through 11. This variety grows to a compact 18 inches tall, making it suitable for borders, containers, and mid-level garden displays. Its crisp white blooms stand out against the dark green foliage, offering a fresh alternative to the golden and orange hues typical of marigolds. Growing quickly from seed in warm soil (70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit), it flowers reliably throughout the season with minimal fussing, rewarding gardeners with months of continuous color.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
18in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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White marigolds are less common than their warm-toned cousins, and Kilimanjaro White delivers pure, luminous blooms that brighten shaded corners and create striking contrast in mixed borders. At 18 inches, it's tall enough to make an impact without towering over neighboring plants, and its abundant flowers come without the deadheading obsession many gardeners expect from marigolds. Sow seeds indoors four to six weeks before your last frost, transplant after danger passes, and you'll have flowers from early summer until frost strikes.
African marigolds are grown primarily as ornamental flowering plants for summer garden display and cut flower arrangements. Their large, ruffled blooms work well in beds, borders, and containers, and the white variety offers particular value for creating monochromatic or cool-toned garden schemes.
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Start seeds indoors four to six weeks before your average last frost date. Sow seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch in seed-starting mix, keeping soil temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds germinate quickly under warm conditions.
Transplant outdoors one to two weeks after your average last frost date, once soil temperature reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Space plants 9 to 12 inches apart to allow for mature growth. Harden off seedlings gradually before moving them to their final garden location.
Direct sow seeds outdoors one to two weeks after your average last frost date, when soil temperature is consistently between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow at 1/4 inch depth.
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