The ‘Red Knight Marigold’ is a striking annual flower prized for its deep red and mahogany blooms, often with a subtle gold edge. This French marigold (Tagetes patula) brings a rich, warm hue to garden spaces, distinguishing itself from common yellow and orange types. Its vibrant, ruffled flowers make it a popular choice for visual appeal.
Planting and Cultivation
Red Knight Marigolds thrive in locations receiving at least six hours of direct sun daily. While they tolerate light afternoon shade in very hot climates, full sun maximizes growth and flowering. These plants prefer moderately fertile, well-draining soil, adaptable to various soil types, but consistently soggy conditions should be avoided to prevent root issues. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is suitable for their development.
Planting ‘Red Knight’ Marigold seeds indoors can begin four to six weeks before the last expected frost. For direct sowing outdoors, wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Seeds should be planted about 1/4 inch deep; once seedlings emerge, thin them to 8 to 12 inches apart for proper air circulation and growth. Young plants and newly sown seeds require consistent moisture, so keep the soil evenly moist until well-established. Optimal germination occurs when soil temperatures are between 70-75°F (21-24°C).
Ongoing Maintenance
Once established, ‘Red Knight’ Marigolds have moderate water needs, benefiting from deep watering about once a week, especially during dry spells. Allow the top soil layer to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent over-saturation and root rot. These flowers are not heavy feeders, so unnecessary fertilization can lead to lush foliage with fewer blooms. A light application of balanced fertilizer at transplanting or monthly feeding with a low-nitrogen, higher phosphorus and potassium formula supports continuous flowering.
Regular deadheading, removing spent blooms, encourages a continuous display of flowers from late spring until the first frost. This practice redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to developing new buds, maintaining a tidier, bushier plant habit. While marigolds are robust and pest-resistant, occasional issues like spider mites in dry conditions or aphids can occur. Proper air circulation also helps mitigate fungal issues such as powdery mildew in humid environments.
Distinctive Characteristics and Garden Applications
The ‘Red Knight’ Marigold stands out with its rich, deep red-mahogany petals, often accented with a touch of gold. These single-flowered blooms are set against lush green, fern-like foliage. The plant exhibits a compact growth habit, typically reaching heights of 8 to 20 inches with a spread of around 16 inches.
This marigold variety is well-suited for diverse garden applications, including mass plantings in flower beds, defining borders, or as vibrant additions to patio containers. ‘Red Knight’ Marigolds attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. They also serve as effective companion plants, with roots releasing compounds that deter nematodes, and their presence helping to repel common garden pests from nearby vegetables like beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, and squash.