Durango Red

Marigold

Zone 6b Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Velvety, burnished blooms of Durango Red open in warm, ember-like shades—deep garnet with a soft, satiny glow—bringing instant dr…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 21st
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	7

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem for Tagetes patula (Durango Red marigold), and how do I treat it?

Marigold seedlings and crowded plants are especially prone to damping-off and root rot from consistently wet soil. Water at the base in the morning, keep plants spaced for airflow, and remove any collapsed seedlings immediately; if rot shows up, let the soil dry slightly between waterings and consider treating with a labeled fungicide for damping-off/root rot. Avoid overhead watering, since wet foliage accelerates fungal spread.

How often should I water Tagetes patula during the main growing phase?

After plants establish, water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry—typically about 2–3 times per week in warm weather, less in cooler or cloudy periods. Aim for deep, even moisture so the roots grow down, but don’t keep the soil soggy, which leads to root diseases in marigolds. During hot spells, water early in the day to prevent drought stress that can reduce flowering.

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

For cut flowers, harvest when the flower heads are fully open and brightly colored, typically around 60 days from sowing (varies with temperature and starting method). Use a clean snip to cut blooms early in the morning, and remove spent flowers to encourage continuous new buds. If growing for dried petals, wait until the flower is fully open and begin to look slightly less fresh before drying.

Velvety, burnished blooms of Durango Red open in warm, ember-like shades—deep garnet with a soft, satiny glow—bringing instant drama to beds and borders. The flower heads are richly layered and compact, with a tidy, French-marigold habit that holds color beautifully through the season. Grow Durango Red for dependable, long-lasting color that shines as a showy companion plant and makes every planting feel intentionally curated.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 50°F and nights stay above 40°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

For the heaviest blooms, keep marigolds in full sun and deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed set.