2010

Marigold F1 Hybrid African ‘Moonsong Deep Orange’
AAS Flower Award Winner

AAS Judges noted the intense deep orange flower color that could not be captured by a picture or digital image. The fade-resistant orange flowers make others look more golden than orange. This unique color is one of three desirable, improved traits. The flower size from 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches and fully double blooms rank among the best of the class. Easy to grow in a 5 to 6 inch pot, plants will flower in about 70 days under short days or 84 days under long day growing conditions. ‘Moonsong Deep Orange’ plants are vigorous, tolerating stress such as heat or drought. In the full sun garden, the erect plants will reach about 12-15 inches tall. Over the summer, the old blooms will be covered with green foliage, which keeps the plants looking fresh throughout the growing season. Bred by Syngenta Flowers.

How to Grow
These full sun annuals are easy to grow from seed. In the North, it is recommended to start the seed indoors just a few weeks before the last frost, 4 to 6 weeks. Sow seed on top of germination media that has been thoroughly wet and allowed to drain. Cover seed with media. Maintain 70 to 75F media temperature during germination, which takes about 5 to 7 days. Fill peat pot or other “green” container with soilless media and transplant young seedlings into containers. Grow indoors at 50 to 65F until outdoor temperatures warm to 60F. Plant pot and all into prepared garden soil or patio type container after the threat of frost. In the South, seed can be sown directly into garden soil where the plants would be growing for the summer season.
Grow in full sun for maximum flower production. Too much fertilizer will result in large green plants with few flowers. Plants can be deadheaded but it is not necessary grooming. Foliage has typical “marigold’ aroma, which may or may not be appealing. The African Marigold is misnamed, the center of origin is from Mexico to South America. The plant did not originate in Africa, but the name remains.

AAS® Winner Data

Genus species: Tagetes erecta
Unique qualities: Unique deep orange color, excellent garden vigor, long lasting garden performance
Flower size: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
Flower form: fully double
Plant height: 12 to 15 inches
Width: 11 to 14 inches
Garden location: Full sun
Garden spacing: 14 to 18 inches apart
Length of time from sowing seed to flower: 70 to 84 days
Closest comparisons on market: ‘Inca II Orange,’ ‘Antiqua Orange’