Orange Flame Marigold is a dwarf French marigold that lives up to its name with striking bronzy red to orange single petals surrounding a bright orangey plume in the center. These compact plants reach just 2 to 3 inches tall and flower reliably in 55 to 65 days from seed, making them quick performers in the garden. Hardy from zones 2 to 11, they thrive in full sun and moderate water, bringing a flaming effect whether planted en masse or tucked along borders. An heirloom variety with a rich history, these naturally pest-resistant marigolds do more than brighten a space, they work hard in the garden too.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
3in H x ?in W
—
High
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The real draw of Orange Flame Marigold is the combination of its unique flower structure and genuine garden utility. Those bronzy red to orange single petals with their bright orangey central plume create a striking visual that few flowers can match at this compact size. Dwarf enough to edge beds and borders yet floriferous enough to make an impact en masse, this marigold earns its space through both beauty and function, naturally deterring pests while attracting pollinators.
Orange Flame Marigold serves primarily as an ornamental that brings color and structure to garden beds, borders, and containers. Beyond its decorative role, it functions as a companion plant in vegetable gardens, where its natural pest resistance helps protect crops like squash and tomatoes from common garden pests. Many gardeners plant it en masse for dramatic color impact or use individual plants to edge beds and pathways.
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Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Sow seeds in warm soil between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, where they will sprout in 5 to 10 days. Seeds require light to germinate, so sow directly on the soil surface or just barely press them in. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost when soil has warmed and plants have developed true leaves.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after your last frost date when soil has warmed, as these frost-tender annuals cannot tolerate cold soil or freezing temperatures. Space plants 8 inches apart to allow for compact, bushy growth. Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after your last frost date once soil has warmed to at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch and keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs in 5 to 10 days. Thin seedlings to 8 inches apart once they develop true leaves.
Pinch seedlings early to encourage branching and promote the compact, bushy growth habit. Throughout the season, deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend blooming and maintain the neat, mounded shape these dwarf plants are prized for.
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“Orange Flame Marigold belongs to the French marigold lineage (Tagetes patula), a group with deep historical roots in European gardening. As an heirloom cultivar, it represents the accumulated selections of generations of gardeners who valued both the distinctive flower form and the plant's natural pest-deterring properties. Its preservation through home gardens and seed-saving communities speaks to the enduring appeal of these compact, vibrant performers that have earned their place in gardens for centuries.”