French Marigold Red Cherry
Description
French Marigold 'Red Cherry' Seeds
Forget the bright, shouty orange of municipal bedding schemes. 'Red Cherry' is a stunning French Marigold that produces crested, double flowers in a deep, rich shade of mahogany-red. As the flowers mature, they develop warm, rusty-gold tips, creating a multi-tonal tapestry of colour.
This is a compact, neat variety that forms a uniform mound of ferny foliage. While it looks beautiful in a patio pot or at the front of a border, it is also a working dog in the garden. It is the number one companion plant for vegetable growers, famous for deterring pests from tomatoes and beans with its distinct aroma.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Tagetes patula 'Red Cherry' is a robust Half-Hardy Annual (H2). Unlike the taller 'African' varieties, French Marigolds are more compact, bushier, and possess excellent weather resistance, making them ideal for the unpredictable British summer.
The Companion Hero: Marigolds are a cornerstone of organic gardening. Their roots release thiophene, a chemical that biologically suppresses harmful soil nematodes. Simultaneously, the pungent scent of the foliage acts as a natural masking agent, confusing airborne pests like whitefly and aphids that would otherwise target your crops.
Biodiversity & Soil Health: Beyond pest control, 'Red Cherry' is a magnet for hoverflies—predatory insects whose larvae feast on aphids. Over time, the thiophene released by their roots has even been found to help clear soil of persistent weeds like ground elder and bindweed, making them a true "working plant" for any healthy garden.
🌱 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 flowers, or direct sow outdoors in May/June 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 20-25°C for rapid germination.
Where to Plant:
Only plant out in June once all risk of frost has passed. They demand full sun to maintain their compact, mound-forming habit and ensure maximum flower production. They are not fussy about soil type and will thrive even in poor, dry ground.
Ongoing Care:
The secret to a long display is diligent deadheading. Regularly snap off spent flower heads to prevent the plant from setting seed; this forces it to put all its energy into fresh buds. In early summer, keep an eye out for slugs, as they find young marigold foliage particularly delicious—protect them with organic pellets or copper tape until they are established.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Botanical Name | Tagetes patula 'Red Cherry' |
| Common Name | French Marigold |
| Plant Type | Half-Hardy Annual |
| Hardiness | H2 (Frost sensitive) |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | 25cm - 30cm (Dwarf) |
| Spread | 20cm |
| Spacing | Plant 20cm apart |
| Flowering Period | June to October |
| Perfect For | 🍅 Protecting Vegetable Crops 🏺 Window Boxes & Patio Pots 🐝 Magnet for Beneficial Insects 🧱 Front-of-Border Edging |
| Seeds per Packet | Approximately 100 seeds |
🤝 Beautiful & Functional Companions
'Red Cherry' 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 Marigolds at the base of your tomato vines. Their pungent scent helps to mask the smell of the tomato foliage, confusing whiteflies, while their roots improve soil health and deter harmful pests below ground.
- 💙 Lobelia 'Crystal Palace': The Visual Contrast. For a decorative, high-impact container, pair the deep mahogany-red of 'Red Cherry' with the intense, midnight navy-blue of 'Crystal Palace'. The colours naturally vibrate against each other, creating a rich, regal aesthetic.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow indoors in spring for non-stop multi-tonal blooms from early summer until the first frosts of November.
⚠️ Scent Warning
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 'Red Cherry' an essential functional element of any healthy UK kitchen garden.
📖 Want more detailed growing advice?
View our Complete Growing Guide for Annuals →
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.
