French marigold Alumia Crème Brulee - Tagetes patula

Alumia 'Crème Brulee' French Marigold, known by its Latin name Tagetes patula, produces semi-double to double, bicoloured flowers with golden yellow petals speckled with reddish-brown or burgundy in the centre or on the outer edges. The well-branched plant has a low, neat habit. This fast-growing annual is easy to cultivate and generously blooms throughout the summer. Perfect for borders and containers. Sow indoors in late winter or spring.

Tagetes patula is an herbaceous annual from the aster family, native to tropical regions of the Americas, from Mexico to Bolivia. It quickly forms a small, bushy and branched clump, with a neat habit, reaching about 25 cm in all directions. It is covered in dark green, highly dissected, strongly aromatic foliage, which may have an unpleasant smell. The flowering period extends from June to September, with regular deadheading. The 'Crème Brulee' variety offers magnificent semi-double to double flower heads, over 6 cm in diameter, classified as 'anemone-flowered' within the Tagetes patula category. The ligules (the flowers located at the periphery of the flower head, highly developed) flutter like butterfly wings, displaying a golden yellow with touches of burgundy here and there on the petals. This plant easily self-seeds in the garden, but not always true to the parent.

French Marigolds are easy to sow and cultivate in well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. They bring cheerfulness to summer beds with their abundant flowering. Their deep and vibrant colour makes them a great match for grey foliage plants such as Artemisias and Stachys, which help to temper their brightness. Golden ornamental grasses also make beautiful companions. They can be paired with the blue flowers of perennial flax, blue salvias, or Damask Nigellas. In the vegetable garden, plant Tagetes with Dahlias, Agastaches, and Nasturtiums. The flowers are edible and can be used to decorate salads, cakes, and cocktails.

The scent of French Marigold foliage and the substances secreted by their roots repel certain pests, which is why these plants are often interplanted with vegetables.