Bonanza Red

French Marigold

Zone 7b Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Bush

Velvety, flame-bright blooms of Bonanza Red arrive with a lush, velour-like depth—deep crimson to warm scarlet petals that hold t…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 27th
Last Frost	Apr 10th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 5th
Harvest Begins	Aug 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Recommended Companions

Geranium Geranium

Pinto Premium White To Rose Geranium

African Sunset Petunia

Raspberry Blast Petunia

Wave Purple Classic Petunia

Surfinia Hot Pink Petunia

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Tagetes patula (Bonanza Red) and what should I do?

Watch for aphids and spider mites, which appear as curled leaves and stippling, especially when conditions get warm and a bit dry. Rinse plants with a steady stream of water and, if needed, spot-treat with insecticidal soap, repeating every 5–7 days until new growth is clean. To prevent fungal issues like botrytis, avoid wetting the foliage and ensure plants have good airflow after rain or watering.

How often should I water Tagetes patula during peak growth?

During the main growing phase, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—water when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil feels dry. Aim for deep watering so moisture reaches the root zone, then let excess drain; soggy soil slows growth and can trigger stem rot. In hot spells, this usually means watering about every 2–3 days, depending on your soil and container size.

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

Harvest when individual blooms are fully open and brightly colored, with petals held flat rather than fading or drying at the edges. For best cut color, pick in the morning after any dew has dried, and remove blooms regularly to keep plants producing through the ~60-day maturity window. If you’re harvesting for seeds, wait until flower heads dry on the plant and seeds darken before collecting.

Velvety, flame-bright blooms of Bonanza Red arrive with a lush, velour-like depth—deep crimson to warm scarlet petals that hold their color with a confident, tidy presence. The flowers are richly layered and compact, forming a dense mound of color that stays crisp in the garden and makes a striking statement from spring through early fall. Grow Bonanza Red for its bold ornamental impact, ideal for edging, beds, and containers where you want nonstop, showy color.

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

Start indoors early for uniform bloom, then move outdoors only after nights are reliably warm to avoid stunted, leggy growth.