How to Grow Bonanza Red Marigold
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Bonanza Red Marigold
Tagetes patula 'Bonanza Red'
flowerBonanza Red is a compact French marigold cultivar known for its vibrant deep red flowers with golden undertones. These dwarf plants grow 12-16 inches tall and produce abundant, fully double blooms that are larger than typical French marigolds. They are prolific bloomers that flower continuously from late spring through frost.
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Example Bonanza Red Marigold timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bonanza Red Marigold
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Bonanza Red Marigold blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bonanza Red Marigold dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11 as an annual; treated as a tender annual in cooler zones
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Get my Bonanza Red Marigold timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-14 daysTiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging; very delicate with thin stems
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings if crowded.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksYoung plants developing bushy form with multiple leaf pairs; compact growth habit
Pinch off top growing tip when plant reaches 4 inches tall to encourage branching and bushiness. Begin light fertilizing every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Budding
1-2 weeksPlant reaches full compact size; flower buds forming in leaf axils and at stem tips
Maintain consistent watering; buds are sensitive to drought stress. Continue light fertilizing with slightly lower nitrogen to encourage blooming over leaf growth.
Flowering
8-12 weeks or until frostAbundant double red flowers with golden tones opening continuously; dense flower coverage
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Water at soil level to keep flowers pristine. Feed every 2 weeks with balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
Decline (End of Season)
Variable until frostFlowering slows as temperatures cool; plants may show signs of age or frost damage
Continue deadheading to extend bloom period. Plants will stop blooming and decline at first hard frost (28-32°F). Can collect seed pods if self-seeding is desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Improve air circulation.
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil spray. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Spray with strong water stream; insecticidal soap; neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if needed; sulfur or potassium bicarbonate sprays.
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Remove affected flowers/foliage; improve air circulation; reduce leaf wetness. Avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Garden Border & Bed Accent
HouseholdBonanza Red's compact, bushy form and vibrant color make it ideal for edging garden beds, containers, window boxes, and front border plantings. The continuous blooms provide reliable color all season. [source]
Edible Flower (with caution)
CulinaryWhile French marigolds are sometimes used as edible flowers in gourmet cuisine, Bonanza Red specifically is bred as an ornamental and may contain pesticide residues. Only use if grown without chemicals and confirmed safe; petals have a slightly spicy, citrusy flavor. [source]
Pest Deterrent in Vegetable Gardens
HouseholdMarigolds are traditional companion plants believed to repel certain garden pests like mosquitoes and some beetles through their aromatic compounds. Planting near vegetables is a common organic gardening practice. [source]
Fresh & Dried Cut Flowers
HouseholdBonanza Red produces excellent long-lasting cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements. Flowers dry well for dried arrangements and retain color; simply hang bundles upside down in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalMarigold flowers have been used in traditional herbal medicine for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, though clinical evidence is limited. Used historically as a skin salve or tea, though ornamental cultivars are not recommended for consumption. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Marigolds are ornamental flowers, not edible (though some marigold varieties are culinary). Deadhead (remove) spent blooms regularly by pinching off behind the flower head to encourage continuous blooming. Cut flowers for arrangements when fully open; they will last 7-10 days in a vase. Seeds develop in pods after flowering; allow some flowers to remain on plant in late season if self-seeding is desired.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bonanza Red is part of the Bonanza series, which are among the most reliable and prolific blooming dwarf marigold cultivars available, often used in commercial landscaping.
- 🌱 French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are native to Mexico and have been cultivated for over 500 years; they were brought to Europe in the 16th century and became extremely popular garden flowers.
- 🌱 Marigolds are heliotropic to some degree and bloom more prolifically in consistently sunny conditions; even slight afternoon shade in hot climates can improve appearance and longevity.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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