French marigolds (Tagetes patula) have been garden staples for decades because they are easy to grow and add color to any space.

They can be purchased as bedding plants and are one of the easiest plants to start with from seed. Plant and water well. French marigolds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors for best results.The seeds require a temperature of 70-75 degrees to germinate and the seedlings are Germinate in 7-10 days.

French marigolds add color to the landscape and are a boon to home gardeners. The scent deters whiteflies and repels many flying insects, and French marigolds kill root knot nematodes carried in the soil. They don’t occupy your garden. Marigolds are one of the most appreciated flowers for beginning gardeners and children.

French marigolds require little care and do not require fertile soil or fertilizer. All you need is sun and water. You can find many varieties of marigolds in garden centers and big box stores, but there are differences between French marigolds and African marigolds. Both are available in a variety of colors and heights, but French marigold flower petals are more wavy than African marigold petals.

French marigolds are generous plants that provide even more plants and flowers after the initial purchase. Remove the dried seed heads from the plant and store them in a paper bag or small cardboard box (not plastic). Stalling the flowers keeps the plant more tidy and encourages more flowering. Stored seeds may produce plants that are genetically different from their parents, so there may be some variability in flower color and overall plant growth.

Besides being ornamental, French marigolds are also edible and can be used in natural dyes. They make beautiful bouquets and arrangements, but you should consider their strong scent before bringing them indoors.

In Pinal County, French marigolds can be planted outdoors from February to May, and bloom abundantly in May and June. For September-December flowering, plant in September and October. Sowing can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors.

French marigolds are easy to grow, beautiful, and beneficial, and by sparing seeds, you’ll be able to keep them blooming for many seasons to come.

Wende Gehrt is a Master Gardener at the University of Arizona.

This column was previously published in InMaricopa Magazine.