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SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Red Marietta

Family: Asteraceae Flowering annual
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

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

Velvety, ember-bright blooms of Red Marietta ignite the garden with warm scarlet petals kissed by deeper, wine-red centers—an arresting color that seems to glow even in soft light.

Expect compact, bushy plants that carry a continuous show of double flowers with a satiny, slightly ruffled texture, perfect for edging beds and filling containers. A pollinator-friendly favorite, Red Marietta brings lively movement and color to borders from early summer through fall.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Red Marietta

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

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsMar 28th
Last FrostApr 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsApr 25th
Harvest BeginsJun 14th
Harvest EndsOct 16th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity50
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBush
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)45
Harden Off (days)5

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Tagetes patula (red marigold) and how do I treat it?
Watch for spider mites and aphids, which show up as stippled leaves or curled growth—especially during hot, dry spells. Rinse plants with a strong jet of water, then spray insecticidal soap (or neem) and repeat every 5–7 days until you stop seeing new damage. Keep airflow up by not crowding plants to reduce fungal leaf spots, and remove badly spotted leaves to prevent spread.
How often should I water Tagetes patula during the main growing phase?
During active flowering growth, water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, aiming for evenly moist soil but not soggy conditions. In full sun beds, this is often about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and soil type; water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone. Avoid frequent light watering, which encourages stress and makes mite outbreaks more likely.
How can I tell when my Tagetes patula (‘Red Marietta’) is ready to harvest?
For marigolds grown for cut flowers, harvest when the flower heads are fully colored and the centers are open, typically around 50 days after sowing. Check daily: once blooms look mature and vivid in full sun, snip stems early in the morning with clean pruners. Regular harvesting encourages continued blooming, so remove spent heads before they seed.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Red Marietta in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Red Marietta.

Garden Alerts

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

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Red Marietta in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Red Marietta.

Garden Alerts

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

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 45°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 5 days first.

Expert Note

For the strongest bloom color and fewer diseases, grow French marigolds in full sun and avoid overwatering—let the top inch of soil dry between waterings.