'Red Brocade' (Tagetes patula) - Opulent ruby-red petals lavishly embroidered with molten gold picotee edges — the most aristocratic colour form in French marigolds. Compact 30 cm tall mounds, superb for elegant container displays. Suitable for small spaces. Super easy to grow, suitable for beginners and children. Blooms in 50-55 days, blooming for 5–7 months — colour deepens in cooler Dec–Jan nights, still flowering when others have stopped.
Edible with a bold, slightly bitter chicory note that pairs brilliantly with dark chocolate desserts or Peranakan salads.
Natural aphid and mosquito shield.
Growing:
Sow directly in garden or pots year-round; best during cooler parts of rainy season for easier establishment. Surface-sow (barely cover) in seed-starting mix; seeds need light to germinate.
Germination: 5–7 days at 22–28 °C soil temperature. Spacing: 15–25 cm apart (dwarf varieties).
Light: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily); tolerates light afternoon shade in 35 °C+ heat.
Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile loam; pH 6.0–7.0. Avoid rich, wet soils — promotes foliage over flowers. Containers: Use 15–20 cm pots with drainage holes; excellent for patios.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during establishment (first 2–3 weeks). Once rooted, water 2–3 cm per week in dry spells; reduce in monsoons. Never let soil stay waterlogged — root rot is common in humid tropics.
Fertilizing: Light feeder: Apply balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) at half-strength every 4–6 weeks. Avoid excess nitrogen — causes leggy growth and fewer blooms. In poor soils, mix in compost at planting.
Common issues in tropics: Spider mites & thrips in dry heat — hose off or use neem oil. Fungal leaf spot or powdery mildew in high humidity — improve airflow, avoid overhead watering.
Companion planting: Excellent near tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.
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