SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Disco Red

Family: Asteraceae Flower
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Disco Red to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Velvety petals in a bold, disco-bright palette—fiery red flares edged with warm golden halos—bring instant stage-light drama to the garden.

Disco Red forms tidy, branching plants with a dense, cushiony bloom texture that holds its color beautifully from early summer through fall, making it as satisfying to admire as it is to keep in full display. Ideal for beds, borders, and bright container moments, this French marigold’s showy flowers deliver nonstop ornamental impact all season long.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Disco Red

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

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsDirect Sow
Last FrostApr 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsApr 25th
Harvest BeginsJul 4th
Harvest EndsOct 16th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity70
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)70
Min Night Temp (°F)55
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common problem on Tagetes patula (marigolds) like “Disco Red,” and how do I treat it?
A frequent issue is leaf-spot/fungal spotting, which shows up as brown to black spots on leaves and can spread in humid weather. Remove and discard the worst affected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and water at the soil line (not from above). If spotting keeps widening, apply a labeled fungicide for ornamental marigolds and follow the label intervals.
How often should I water Tagetes patula during peak growth to keep it healthy?
During the main growing and flowering phase, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—water when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil dries out. In full sun, this often means watering about 2–3 times per week, but adjust based on heat and soil type. Avoid frequent light sprinkling; instead water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone.
How can I tell when “Disco Red” Tagetes patula is ready to harvest?
For Tagetes patula, harvest is typically for flowers rather than seeds: pick when blooms are fully formed and at their brightest color, usually around 70 days from sowing. Check daily during warm weather—choose blossoms that are open and vigorous, and remove faded heads to encourage more flowering. If you’re saving seed instead, harvest when the seed heads are dry and brown.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Disco Red in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 70°F before transplanting Disco Red.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Disco Red.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Disco Red in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 70°F before transplanting Disco Red.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Disco Red.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 70°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Sow directly after the last frost (or warm the soil), keep the top lightly moist until emergence, and deadhead lightly to encourage continuous blooms.