French Marigold Spanish Brocade
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Description
French Marigold 'Spanish Brocade' Seeds
'Spanish Brocade' is a stunning French Marigold that produces bushy mounds of ruffled, double flowers in rich mahogany-red, edged with golden yellow. It looks like the swirling skirt of a flamenco dancer.
But beauty is only half the story. This plant is legendary among organic gardeners as a companion plant. Its roots secrete a chemical that deters harmful nematodes in the soil, and its strong scent confuses flying pests like whitefly. Plant it next to your tomatoes, beans, or in the greenhouse, and it will act as a beautiful, living shield for your crops.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Tagetes patula 'Spanish Brocade' is a robust Half-Hardy Annual (H2). Unlike the taller African Marigolds, French Marigolds are more compact, bushier, and possess far superior weather resistance—recovering quickly from heavy UK summer rain without becoming soggy or flattened.
Companion Hero: This variety is a powerhouse for organic pest management. Scientific research has proven that French Marigolds produce alpha-terthienyl, a substance that naturally suppresses soil-borne root-knot nematodes. Their pungent foliage also acts as a masking scent, confusing aphids and whitefly that would otherwise seek out your vegetable crops.
Edible Blooms: Beyond their functional use, the flowers are entirely edible. They possess a unique citrusy-spice flavour that makes them a spectacular garnish for spring salads or botanical bakes, adding both visual flair and a subtle peppery zing.
🌱 Growing Guide
Marigolds are exceptionally reliable and among the fastest annuals to grow from seed, often germinating in just 5-7 days.
How to Sow:
Sow indoors from February to April for the earliest blooms, or direct sow outdoors in May once the soil has warmed. Surface sow the seeds onto moist seed compost and cover with only a very fine layer of vermiculite. Maintain a consistent temperature of 20°C for rapid germination.
Where to Plant:
Only plant out in June when all risk of frost has passed. They demand full sun to maintain their compact, bushy habit and to ensure maximum flower production. Marigolds are not fussy about soil type and will thrive in almost any well-drained spot, from borders to window boxes.
Ongoing Care:
The golden rule for Marigolds is relentless deadheading. By regularly pinching off the spent flower heads, you prevent the plant from setting seed, which forces it to put all its energy into producing fresh buds. With this simple task, 'Spanish Brocade' will remain a solid mound of red and gold until the first frosts in November.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Botanical Name | Tagetes patula 'Spanish Brocade' |
| Common Name | French Marigold |
| Plant Type | Half-Hardy Annual |
| Hardiness | H2 (Frost sensitive) |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | 20cm - 30cm (Compact) |
| Spread | 20cm |
| Spacing | Plant 20cm apart |
| Flowering Period | June to October |
| Perfect For | 🍅 Organic Vegetable Protection 🥗 Edible Salad Garnishes 🏺 High-Intensity Containers 🐛 Greenhouse Pest Control |
| Seeds per Packet | Approximately 100 seeds |
🤝 Beautiful & Functional Companions
'Spanish Brocade' is the ultimate functional partner for your vegetable patch and containers. Pair it with these available stars from our collection:
- 🍅 Tomato 'Gardener's Delight': The Bodyguard. Plant a ring of Marigolds around the base of your tomato plants. Their strong, pungent scent masks the aroma of the tomato vines, confusing whiteflies and aphids, while their roots keep the soil healthy and nematode-free.
- 💙 Lobelia 'Crystal Palace': The Visual Pop. For a purely decorative high-contrast display, pair the fiery mahogany-red and gold of 'Spanish Brocade' with the intense, deep navy-blue of 'Crystal Palace'. The colours naturally vibrate against each other, creating an electric focal point in patio pots.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow indoors in spring for non-stop ruffled blooms from early summer until the first frosts of November.
⚠️ Scent Note
Marigold foliage has a pungent, spicy aroma when brushed or crushed. While some gardeners find it divisive, it is this very scent that provides an effective chemical shield against common British garden pests!
🏆 Scientifically Proven Protection
Marigolds are one of the most vital tools for the chemical-free gardener. Their ability to biologically suppress root nematodes has been scientifically confirmed, making 'Spanish Brocade' an essential functional element of any healthy UK kitchen garden.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery:
Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.Special Deliveries
Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.Returns:
If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.
Be a smarter gardener
Gardening organically is a more affordable and long term alternative to using chemical fertilisers. Natural Grower products eliminate waste because the nutrients are slowly released to the plants as they need them. Over the long-term you save money because your soil health naturally improves, which in turn produces healthier, stronger, disease resistant plants. Chemical products may cost less financially in the short term, but they don’t provide any long-term benefits and the damage they do to the natural eco-system in the soil is costly.
Slow release for sustained growth
Organic fertilisers are broken down slowly by organisms in the soil to produce a more measured, consistent, natural release of nutrients. This results in uniform growth with strong stems and leaves, unlike chemical fertilisers which provide a sudden boost resulting in tall lanky plants. Stronger plants are more resistant to disease, and with the presence of mycorrizhal fungi to strengthen the roots, the plants, soil and fungi all work together long-term to create the perfect natural eco-system.
Love your land
The organic matter in Natural Grower will help keep your soil or compost in optimum condition, retain moisture over the dry summer months and improve the health and structure of your soil. The presence of natural Mycorrhizal fungi in our products enhances root growth, enabling plants to extract nutrients and absorb water more efficiently from the soil or compost. By using our products you will be supporting and enhancing the natural eco-system in the soil.
Embrace sustainability
Natural Grower’s chemical free fertiliser products are approved organic, biodynamic and vegan. Plant-based and free from chemicals they are safe to use around wildlife, pets and children. Eco-friendly and sustainably produced in the UK. Our packaging is made from recycled plastic where possible and is all 100% recyclable. We are always happy to refill used containers, and often sell our products in reused containers or slightly damaged packaging at a reduced price. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
