How to Grow Red Marigold Scarlet Supreme
Wikimedia Commons
Red Marigold Scarlet Supreme
Tagetes erecta
flowerScarlet Supreme is a vibrant red African marigold variety known for its large, fully double flowers and robust growth habit. This tall cultivar produces bold crimson-red blooms that add dramatic color to gardens and arrangements. It's a heat-loving annual that thrives in warm conditions and blooms prolifically throughout the season.
When should you plant Red Marigold Scarlet Supreme in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Red Marigold Scarlet Supreme timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Red Marigold Scarlet Supreme
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Red Marigold Scarlet Supreme blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Marigold Scarlet Supreme dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11 as an annual; prefers warm conditions (zones 6-10 for best performance)
Sign up free to see if Red Marigold Scarlet Supreme grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Red Marigold Scarlet Supreme timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging; cotyledons visible
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlants develop bushy foliage with multiple stems; feathery, fern-like leaves characteristic of marigolds
Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching and fuller plants. Maintain regular watering. Begin fertilizing with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Flowering
6-10 weeksLarge, fully double red flowers begin to appear at stem tips; plants may reach 24-36 inches tall
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Increase fertilizer frequency to every 2 weeks with phosphorus-rich formula.
Peak Bloom
4-8 weeksAbundant scarlet-red, pompom-like double flowers covering the plant; dense foliage provides backdrop
Continue deadheading. Water consistently but allow soil surface to dry between waterings. Watch for pests and diseases in humid conditions.
Seed Production
Ongoing until frostFlowers fade and transition to seed heads if not deadheaded; flowers become less frequent as plant puts energy into seed production
Allow some flowers to remain if collecting seeds. Stop fertilizing to slow vegetative growth and extend blooming. Remove plant after first frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to increase humidity; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain good air circulation
-
Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
-
and
Hand-pick; use copper barriers; remove debris and hiding spots; beer traps
-
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected flowers; use sulfur dust in humid conditions
Uses
Edible petals and flavoring
CulinaryMarigold petals are edible with a slightly spicy, citrusy flavor and can be used to garnish salads, desserts, and drinks. They add vibrant color and unique taste to culinary presentations. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalMarigold has been used in traditional medicine for anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Tea made from petals may support digestive and immune health. [source]
Natural dye production
HouseholdMarigold flowers produce yellow, orange, and red dyes for textiles and crafts. The plant has been historically used for natural fabric coloring. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeBright red flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Marigolds are excellent for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftLarge, long-lasting scarlet blooms are ideal for fresh flower arrangements, bouquets, and floral displays. Flowers can also be dried for dried arrangements. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when stems are most turgid. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node. Remove lower foliage before arranging. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase with fresh water. Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. For seed saving, allow a few flowers to remain on the plant until they dry completely; collect seed heads in late summer or early fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Marigolds naturally repel certain pests like mosquitoes and are often planted near vegetables; the scent is produced by compounds called thiophenes, which also give them their distinctive fragrance.
- 🌱 The deep red color of Scarlet Supreme comes from carotenoid pigments; these same compounds are found in tomatoes and carrots and provide antioxidant benefits.
- 🌱 African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are larger than French marigolds (Tagetes patula) and can grow 24-36 inches tall, making them dramatic focal points in garden designs.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Red Marigold Scarlet Supreme planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Red Marigold Scarlet Supreme seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Red Marigold Scarlet Supreme timeline →