Safari Scarlet Marigold is a popular annual known for its vibrant and striking color. This French marigold cultivar offers a compact growth habit, making it a versatile choice for various garden designs. Its brilliant blooms provide a continuous display of color throughout the growing season.
Characteristics of Safari Scarlet Marigold
Safari Scarlet Marigold (Tagetes patula ‘Safari Scarlet’) is a distinct and compact annual that typically grows to a height of 8 to 12 inches and spreads about 6 to 12 inches wide. Its bushy form is adorned with large, semi-double, carnation-like flowers, measuring approximately 2 to 2.5 inches across. The blooms display a rich scarlet or carnelian-red hue, often featuring gold tips, eyes, or edges, which adds depth to their appearance. These showy blossoms emerge from late spring and continue to bloom profusely until the first frost, covering the finely divided, aromatic foliage.
Planting and Care Guide
Safari Scarlet Marigolds thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. While they can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, consistent full sun promotes the most abundant blooms.
Well-drained soil is important for these marigolds, as they do not tolerate soggy conditions. They adapt to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay, with sufficient drainage. An ideal soil pH for Safari Scarlet Marigolds ranges between 6.0 and 7.5.
Watering should be consistent, especially during establishment and dry periods. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root issues. While established plants show some drought tolerance, regular moisture promotes continuous flowering.
Planting should occur after the last spring frost, once soil temperatures are consistently above 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors at a depth of 1/4 inch, or started indoors four to six weeks before the last expected frost. Seedlings or transplants should be spaced 6 to 12 inches apart for proper air circulation and growth.
Safari Scarlet Marigolds are not heavy feeders and do not require extensive fertilization. Incorporating a general-purpose, balanced fertilizer into the soil at planting time is sufficient. Excessive nitrogen should be avoided, as it can promote foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Regular maintenance, such as deadheading spent blooms, encourages continuous flowering. Pinching off faded flowers redirects the plant’s energy into producing new buds rather than setting seeds. This practice prolongs the blooming period.
Garden Uses and Advantages
The compact size and vibrant color of Safari Scarlet Marigolds make them suitable for various garden applications. They are an excellent choice for containers and pots, providing color on patios, balconies, or window boxes. Their uniform growth habit also makes them ideal for creating borders and edging along pathways or garden beds.
These marigolds are well-suited for mass plantings, where their bold scarlet blooms create a striking visual impact. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Safari Scarlet Marigolds offer practical advantages. They are low-maintenance plants.
Their bright blooms attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem. Marigolds are also known to deter certain garden pests, such as deer and rabbits. This characteristic makes them a useful companion plant in mixed beds.