Tagetes patula 'Durango Yellow' (Marigold)

The Durango series sits at the top of French marigold performance for summer bedding. 'Durango Yellow' produces fully double, 2-inch blooms in a clear, warm yellow on compact 10-to-12-inch plants that branch freely and cover themselves in flowers from late spring through hard frost. The Durango series was bred specifically for heat tolerance and even flowering across the plant, making it one of the most reliable performers in beds, borders, and containers. The foliage is the classic ferny, aromatic marigold texture, releasing its pungent, spicy scent when brushed.

This is one of the hardest-working companion plants in the vegetable garden. French marigold roots secrete compounds toxic to soil nematodes, making them particularly valuable planted with tomatoes, peppers, and other solanums susceptible to nematode damage. Planted as a border around the vegetable bed, they also help deter whitefly and other pest insects from moving in. The flowers are edible, with a mildly tangy, spiced flavor that works in salads and as a garnish.

Plant in full sun after the last frost date, spacing about 10 inches apart.