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Taishan Orange

Family: Asteraceae Flower
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Taishan Orange to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Sun-warmed petals blaze in Taishan Orange, a richly saturated African marigold that seems to glow even in the shade of a porch rail.

Expect dense, double flower heads with a plush, velvety texture and a clean, aromatic presence that makes the garden feel freshly alive. Brilliant in containers and borders, Taishan Orange shines as a long-blooming centerpiece for beds, pots, and sunny window boxes through the height of summer.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Taishan Orange

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

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsMar 21st
Last FrostApr 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsMay 9th
Harvest BeginsJul 18th
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)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)7

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease issue commonly affects Tagetes erecta (Taishan Orange), and what should I do?
A common problem is powdery mildew, which shows up as a white, dusty coating on leaves during warm, humid periods. Improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the base, then remove heavily affected leaves to slow spread. If mildew persists, spray a labeled potassium bicarbonate or sulfur fungicide following the product directions, especially when new growth is present.
How often should I water Tagetes erecta during active growth?
Water deeply so the top 1–2 inches of soil dry slightly between waterings, which usually means about 1 inch of water per week depending on heat and soil drainage. Keep moisture consistent after transplanting and through flowering, but avoid soggy conditions that can stress roots and encourage fungal leaf issues. Use well-draining soil and water in the morning to reduce leaf wetness.
How can I tell when Tagetes erecta (Taishan Orange) is ready to harvest?
Harvest when flowers are fully colored and open—typically around 70 days from sowing, but use the bloom stage as your main guide. Pick blooms early in the day for best quality, and choose heads that are evenly colored with firm, intact petals. If you want a longer flowering window, deadhead spent blooms to keep the plant producing new orange-gold flowers.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Taishan Orange in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-05-09. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Taishan Orange.

Garden Alerts

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

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Taishan Orange in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-05-09. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Taishan Orange.

Garden Alerts

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

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Sow shallowly, keep evenly moist until emergence, then harden off and transplant after cold nights pass for best flowering.