Thompson & Morgan Marigold - Red - 1 Packet (100 Seeds)
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Full details
The Thompson & Morgan Marigold 'Scarlet Sophie' is a vibrant, early-flowering variety perfect for gardeners looking to support local biodiversity while adding striking color to beds, borders, or patio pots. These French Marigolds offer deep red petals with distinct gold edges, providing a beautiful aesthetic while simultaneously serving as a high-value resource for bees, butterflies, and beetles. While they are exceptionally versatile and provide edible, citrus-tasting flowers for culinary use, gardeners must commit to regular deadheading throughout the summer to maintain the impressive display from June until October.
All features
| Model Part Number | KB7569 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Thompson & Morgan |
Extended Product Information
FAQs
Are these marigolds safe to eat?
Yes, 'Scarlet Sophie' flowers are edible and have a citrus-like flavor, making them great for salads and garnishes.
How often should I deadhead the plants?
For the best performance, check your plants weekly and remove any faded or browning flowers.
Can I grow these in a window box?
Absolutely. Their compact 30cm size makes them perfect for containers, patio pots, and window boxes.
Do I need special fertilizer?
Marigolds are generally low-maintenance, but a balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied occasionally during the growing season to boost flowering.
Will they attract bees?
Yes, this variety is part of the Kew Pollinators range and is specifically designed to attract bees, butterflies, and other essential garden insects.
What does 'full sun' mean for these plants?
Full sun means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Troubleshooting
Flowers are fading quickly
Ensure the plant is receiving adequate water and perform deadheading to remove wilting blooms.
Plants are tall and leggy
This is likely due to insufficient sunlight; move the plants to a location with full, direct sun.
Poor germination rate
Ensure the soil temperature is warm enough and keep the seed trays moist but not waterlogged.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Attracts essential pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Compact size is ideal for small spaces and patio pots
- Long flowering season lasting up to five months
- Versatile culinary applications for the edible flowers
- Early flowering variety provides quick seasonal color
Cons
- Requires regular deadheading to ensure continuous blooms
- Limited to a maximum height of 30cm which may be too short for back-of-border planting
- Requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and color saturation
Setup, Compatibility & Care
To achieve the best results with your 'Scarlet Sophie' seeds, ensure you provide a location that receives consistent, full sun exposure. Prepare your soil or potting mix to be well-draining, as marigolds prefer not to sit in waterlogged conditions.
- Sowing: Sow seeds during the recommended spring window into moist, seed-starting compost.
- Transplanting: Once established, move them to their final position, ensuring a 30cm spacing to allow for the maximum spread.
- Maintenance: Water regularly, especially during hot, dry spells, focusing on the base of the plant to keep foliage dry.
- Deadheading: Pinch off faded flowers weekly to prevent seed head formation and encourage new growth.
- Compatibility: They pair beautifully with other sun-loving annuals and pollinator-friendly herbs like thyme or sage.