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French Brocade

Family: Asteraceae Flowering annual
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add French Brocade to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Velvety, brocade-like blooms arrive in a rich, painterly swirl—warm amber and deep garnet petals layered in tight, ruffled rosettes that seem to glow in the sun.

French Brocade’s compact plants carry a steady parade of flowers with a soft, plush texture and a lively, garden-bright presence from early summer through fall. Ideal for edging, borders, and companion planting, it’s a pollinator-friendly favorite that brings lasting color and charm to every bed and container.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of French Brocade

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

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsMar 28th
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 DepthSurface
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)55
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)7

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Tagetes patula (French Brocade), and what should I do?
A frequent issue is spider mites or aphids, especially in hot, dry weather; check the underside of leaves and buds. Spray plants with a strong stream of water first, then treat with insecticidal soap (or neem) and repeat every 5–7 days until you stop seeing new damage. If you notice leaf spots or botrytis-like gray mold, remove affected leaves and keep foliage drier by watering at soil level rather than over the plant.
How often should I water Tagetes patula during the main growing phase to keep it healthy?
During active growth, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. In full sun, that usually means about 1–2 times per week, but increase frequency during heat waves and reduce it after heavy rain. Aim for deep watering that wets the root zone, because Tagetes patula struggles more in waterlogged soil than in mildly drying between waterings.
How can I tell when French Brocade (Tagetes patula) is ready to harvest?
Harvest flowers when they’re fully open and at peak color—typically around 70 days from sowing/transplanting. You’ll get the best cut blooms from sturdy, well-formed blossoms with no shriveled petals or brown, spent center. For ongoing harvest, snip individual flowers promptly as they mature to encourage more branching and additional blooms.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for French Brocade in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 55°F before transplanting French Brocade.

Garden Alerts

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

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for French Brocade in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 55°F before transplanting French Brocade.

Garden Alerts

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

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 55°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Sow shallow (or lightly cover), keep evenly moist until sprouted, then thin and plant out after any frost risk so the marigolds can quickly bloom in warm weather.