How to Grow Marigold Bonanza

Marigold Bonanza

Tagetes patula 'Bonanza'

flower

Marigold Bonanza is a compact, award-winning dwarf French marigold cultivar known for its exceptionally large, fully double flowers in vibrant colors. These prolific bloomers reach 12-16 inches tall and produce abundant flowers throughout the growing season with minimal deadheading required. Perfect for borders, containers, and mass plantings, they're among the easiest flowers to grow.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; tolerates partial shade but blooms best in full sun

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Water: Water moderately when soil surface feels dry. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease. Once established, fairly drought-tolerant. Reduce watering in cooler weather.

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Spacing: 8 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days to first flowers from seed

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Planting depth: Surface sow or press lightly into soil; seeds need light to germinate. Do not cover.

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite for drainage Balanced slow-release fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives nationwide as an annual; zones 2-11 for summer bloom

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Seeds germinate in 5-10 days at 70-75°F. Seedlings develop true leaves quickly and grow bushy.

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light once sprouted. Thin seedlings or transplant to individual pots at 2-3 inches tall.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plants develop sturdy stems and increasing leaf coverage. Seedlings grow rapidly into bushy transplants ready for garden.

Pinch growing tips once or twice when 3-4 inches tall to encourage bushier, more compact plants. Harden off transplants gradually before planting outdoors after frost danger passes.

Flowering Onset

1-2 weeks

First flower buds appear on compact plants. Buds develop into fully double, pompom-like blooms in reds, oranges, and yellows.

Begin bi-weekly fertilizing with balanced or slightly phosphorus-heavy fertilizer to fuel continuous blooming. Remove any early flower buds if desiring fuller plants first.

Peak Bloom

8-12 weeks

Plants are covered with large, fully double flowers. Bonanza produces abundant blooms continuously from early summer through frost.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, though less critical than other marigolds. Water at base of plants. Watch for spider mites in hot, dry conditions.

Late Season & Frost

Continues until frost

Blooming continues until first hard frost kills plants. Flowers may develop seeds if left unpruned.

Allow some flowers to set seed for saving or natural reseeding if desired. Frost-tender; pull plants after first hard freeze. Composting whole plants prevents pest overwintering.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Alyssum Impatiens Salvia Zinnia Petunias Dusty Miller Verbena Basil Tomatoes

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Parsnip

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil in severe infestations. Ensure adequate air circulation and humidity.
Spray with strong water stream or use insecticidal soap. Beneficial insects like ladybugs help control populations.
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if severe. Remove heavily affected leaves.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Inspect undersides of leaves regularly.
and
Hand-pick in early morning; use copper barriers or organic slug bait around plants. Remove garden debris.

Uses

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Edible Flower Garnish

Culinary

Marigold petals are edible and add vibrant color and a slightly peppery, citrus flavor to salads, desserts, and beverages. Only petals are consumed; remove the bitter green base. [source]

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Skin and Wound Healing

Medicinal

Marigold flowers contain flavonoids and carotenoids with mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Infusions have been traditionally used in herbal remedies for minor cuts, bruises, and skin irritation. [source]

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Natural Dye

Household

Dried marigold flowers can be used to create natural yellow and orange dyes for textiles and crafts. The pigments from fresh flowers produce more vibrant results. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Marigold flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while the scent deters some garden pests. Planting them supports beneficial insect populations in gardens. [source]

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Dried Flower Arrangements

Craft

Fully double Bonanza marigolds dry beautifully and retain their color well, making them ideal for dried floral arrangements, wreaths, and potpourri. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Marigold Bonanza is grown for ornamental flowers and foliage. Cut flowers for fresh arrangements when blooms are fully open. Harvest in early morning for longest vase life (7-10 days). Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Allow some flowers to remain if saving seeds for next year.

Fun Facts

🌱 Marigold Bonanza won the All-America Selections (AAS) award, recognizing it as an outstanding ornamental flower variety for American gardeners.
🌱 The strong scent of marigolds comes from oils in the foliage that naturally repel certain pests and insects, making them valuable companion plants in vegetable gardens.
🌱 Marigolds have been cultivated for centuries and hold cultural significance in Indian, Mexican, and Mediterranean traditions, used in religious ceremonies, celebrations, and traditional medicine.

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