Tagetes patula. Enjoy mounds of tawny oranges and yellows from mid-summer to first frost (and sometimes beyond). As a companion plant, Sparky Mix marigolds are the variety that will suppress 'bad' nematodes in your soil. Be sure to plant around the vegetable garden! They can also be used as a cover crop for weed suppression. Plant these marigold seeds in full sun, and deadhead (remove spent flowers) to prolong the bloom period. These marigolds work well in containers and they are surprisingly drought resistant, so can be incorporated in xeriscaping schemes. This little plant reaches a height of 30cm (12").

Annual.

• Hardy annual
• Tawny oranges and yellows
• Will suppress 'bad' nematodes
• Can be used as a cover crop
• Plant around the vegetable garden