Bonanza Red

Family: Asteraceae Flower

Velvety, flame-bright blooms of Bonanza Red arrive with a lush, velour-like depth—deep crimson to warm scarlet petals that hold their color with a confident, tidy presence.

The flowers are richly layered and compact, forming a dense mound of color that stays crisp in the garden and makes a striking statement from spring through early fall. Grow Bonanza Red for its bold ornamental impact, ideal for edging, beds, and containers where you want nonstop, showy color.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Bush

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Even though it’s sold as a bedding bloom, Bonanza Red petals can be eaten for that peppery, slightly bitter floral lift—best when used like a spicy-herb garnish rather than a sweet flower. Use sparingly and pair with acid and fat so the bitterness reads bright instead of harsh.

Best Uses

torn petals as a color-carrying garnish on rich mains
quick-pickled petals for a sharp, briny pop
folded into compound butter for a crimson herbal smear
mixed into green salads where the bitterness can stand up to fat and salt

Flavor Profile

velvety, peppery-grassy snap slightly bitter floral edge warm, tangy herbal finish petal texture stays crisp in hand

Kitchen Pairings

lemon balsamic vinegar garlic goat cheese dark chocolate olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Tagetes patula (Bonanza Red) and what should I do?

Watch for aphids and spider mites, which appear as curled leaves and stippling, especially when conditions get warm and a bit dry. Rinse plants with a steady stream of water and, if needed, spot-treat with insecticidal soap, repeating every 5–7 days until new growth is clean. To prevent fungal issues like botrytis, avoid wetting the foliage and ensure plants have good airflow after rain or watering.

How often should I water Tagetes patula during peak growth?

During the main growing phase, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—water when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil feels dry. Aim for deep watering so moisture reaches the root zone, then let excess drain; soggy soil slows growth and can trigger stem rot. In hot spells, this usually means watering about every 2–3 days, depending on your soil and container size.

How can I tell when Bonanza Red Tagetes patula is ready to harvest?

Harvest when individual blooms are fully open and brightly colored, with petals held flat rather than fading or drying at the edges. For best cut color, pick in the morning after any dew has dried, and remove blooms regularly to keep plants producing through the ~60-day maturity window. If you’re harvesting for seeds, wait until flower heads dry on the plant and seeds darken before collecting.