Description

With large 6-7cm (2½-3in) double, rich orange blooms on dwarf, sturdy plants, it is a considerable improvement on its nearest rival. It is quite as dwarf as many French marigolds and very neat and tidy. It still, however, retains huge and fully double blooms, extraordinary reliability and almost legendary heat and poor weather tolerance. Flowers mid to late summer. Height 20-25cm (8-10in).

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	Indoors 6-8- weeks before last frost or outdoors after last frost

Sow in a good seed sowing mix just covering the seed with sowing mix. Make sure that the sowing mix is moist but not wet and seal in a plastic bag until after germination which usually takes 5-10 days at 21-24C (70-75F).

Growing Instructions

Transplant when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots, and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatize to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart in a sunny spot in ordinary garden soil.

Aftercare Instructions

Deadhead regularly to prolong blooming.

Kitchen Notes

The flowers taste of orange or lemon. Use in sandwiches, salads, seafood chowders and hot desserts.