‘Bonanza™ Yellow’ French Marigold: The Radiant Dwarf Tagetes

Tagetes patula ‘Bonanza™ Yellow’ is a vibrant, low-maintenance French Marigold renowned for its striking yellow double-crested blooms and exceptional heat and drought tolerance, making it a standout choice for any garden.

Tagetes patula, commonly known as French Marigold, is a member of the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies, sunflowers, and asters. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, this vibrant annual has found its way into gardens worldwide due to its hardiness, vibrant colors, and versatility. The ‘Bonanza™ Yellow’ variety is a standout within the French Marigold species, known for its prolific blooming and striking yellow double-crested flowers.

Description

The ‘Bonanza™ Yellow’ French Marigold is an early-flowering, dwarf variety that brings a burst of color to gardens from spring through late summer, often continuing to bloom until the first frost. This compact plant typically reaches a height of 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) and spreads 6-8 inches (15-20 cm). The plant has an upright habit, and finely divided, bushy foliage, which provides an attractive backdrop to the showy flowers.

The double-crested flowers of ‘Bonanza™ Yellow’ are among the largest in the French Marigold category, measuring 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) across. These bright yellow blossoms are not only visually stunning but also serve as magnets for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Care Instructions for Tagetes patula ‘Bonanza™ Yellow’:

Tagetes patula ‘Bonanza™ Yellow’ are known for their ease of care and low maintenance requirements. Here’s how to ensure your marigolds thrive:

Sunlight: Plant in full sun to ensure the best flower production. It will tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
Soil: These marigolds prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soil. They are adaptable to poor soils and can handle dry to moist conditions.
Watering: Maintain even moisture for optimal growth, but avoid waterlogged soil. Medium watering is recommended.
Fertilization: Feed every two weeks during the growing season to support continuous blooming.
Maintenance: Pinch off the tops of established plants to encourage a bushier growth habit and more prolific blooming. Deadhead regularly to prolong the flowering period.

‘Bonanza™ Yellow’ marigolds are heat, humidity, and drought tolerant once established, making them resilient in various garden conditions. They are also deer resistant and generally free from serious pest or disease issues, though you should watch for powdery mildew, gray mold, leaf spot, root rot, spider mites, and thrips.

Propagation

Propagating Tagetes patula ‘Bonanza™ Yellow’ is straightforward, primarily done through seeds:

Direct Sowing: After the last frost and when the soil has warmed, sow seeds directly into the garden. Space seeds 4 inches (10 cm) apart, cover lightly, and keep the soil moist until germination. Thin seedlings to 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) apart.
Starting Indoors: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart in seed-starting mix and barely cover them. Keep the soil moist with a strong light source. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the threat of frost has passed, spacing them 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) apart.

Seeds germinate best at temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and typically take 10-15 days to sprout.

Landscape Uses

Tagetes patula ‘Bonanza™ Yellow’ is versatile and can be used in various landscape applications:

Mass Planting: For a striking display of color, plant marigolds in large groups.
Border Edging: Use along the front of borders to create a vibrant edge.
Containers: Ideal for pots and containers on decks or patios.
Companion Planting: Often used in vegetable and herb gardens to repel pests such as whiteflies and nematodes.

This variety is also well-suited for city gardens, cottage gardens, and Mediterranean-style landscapes. Its vibrant flowers and ease of care make it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a splash of color and attract pollinators to their spaces.