Marigold Disco Granada
The vibrant French marigolds in the Disco Series have large, brightly colored, single blooms that are borne in profusion atop compact, bushy, drought-tolerant plants. Bred and introduced by the German seed company Ernst Benary, ‘Disco Granada’ bears many flat, bicolored flowers of bright yellow with large orange-red markings at the base of the ray petals.
Commonly known as French marigold, this easy to grow, compact annual actually originates from Mexico and Central America. In fact, some believe it is a naturally occurring hybrid between the American marigold (Tagetes erecta) and signet marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia).
The dark green, ferny foliage of this bushy plant is highly aromatic and subtends many small single flowers of bright yellow and oragne-red which attract butterflies and other insects. Dry, brown seedheads follow. Regular deadheading will keep plants looking clean and prolong flowering.
For best growth, marigolds require full sun and well drained, average soil. They are great for mixed plantings and containers. As an added benefit, research suggests that marigold roots emit a substance that deters root-damaging nematodes, which plague certain vegetable crops, so these make fine companion plants for vegetable gardens as well.