Marigold ‘Durango Red’ is a popular and vibrant annual flower that brings a burst of color to any garden. Gardeners often select this variety for its consistent performance and striking appearance. It provides cheerful, long-lasting blooms throughout the growing season, making it a favored choice for reliable floral displays.
Distinctive Features of Durango Red Marigold
The ‘Durango Red’ marigold stands out with intense, rich red blooms, often described as brick or mahogany red. These striking flowers frequently feature subtle gold eyes or edges. Each bloom is large, measuring 2 to 2.5 inches across, and exhibits a semi-double or anemone-type form, giving them a full, crested look.
This variety showcases a compact and uniform growth habit, reaching an average height of 10 to 12 inches with a spread of 6 to 10 inches. Its bushy and upright structure ensures a tidy presence. ‘Durango Red’ marigolds are known for their early and extended flowering period, typically blooming from late spring through late summer, often continuing until the first frost.
Planting and Growing Durango Red Marigold
Plant ‘Durango Red’ marigolds after the last frost in your region. These annuals thrive in full sun, ideally six to eight hours daily, though they can tolerate some partial shade. Proper light exposure supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
The ideal soil is well-draining, as they do not tolerate standing water. While not particular about soil type or pH, incorporating organic matter can enhance drainage and nutrient availability. Space plants 6 to 10 inches apart for optimal air circulation and growth.
Start seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost. Seeds typically germinate within 6 to 15 days when soil temperatures are 70 to 85°F. Direct sowing outdoors is possible once the soil temperature warms to at least 55°F.
Ongoing Care for Vibrant Blooms
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Durango Red’ marigolds, particularly during dry periods. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. For garden beds, watering every two to three days may be sufficient, while potted plants might require daily or every-other-day watering in warm weather due to faster drying.
Fertilizing is generally optional, especially if your soil is nutrient-rich. If soil quality is poor, a light feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting can be beneficial. Fertilize lightly every two to six weeks during the growing season to encourage continuous blooming.
Deadheading, the practice of trimming off faded or spent flowers, encourages new blooms rather than seed production, ensuring a continuous display of color until the season’s end. ‘Durango Red’ marigolds are low-maintenance, exhibiting good resistance to common pests and diseases, and are known to deter deer.
Versatile Uses in the Garden
The compact size and vibrant color of ‘Durango Red’ marigolds make them highly versatile for various garden applications. They are an excellent choice for mass plantings or defining garden edges as a border plant. Their uniform growth ensures a neat and cohesive appearance.
These marigolds perform well in containers, window boxes, and as cheerful accents in mixed garden beds. Their upright habit and consistent bloom make them a good “filler” component in container designs. Beyond their ornamental value, ‘Durango Red’ marigolds serve as beneficial companion plants in vegetable gardens. Their scented foliage helps repel pests like nematodes and aphids, contributing to a healthier vegetable crop. They also attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting a thriving garden ecosystem.