<p>By mid-summer this old favourite makes vast mounds of rich oranges and yellows. Abundant 3-5cm (1-2 in.) blooms on 25-30cm (10-12 in.) tall plants edge beds and grace cheerful planters.</p><p>Direct seed mid-May through June, or start indoors in April to transplant in May. Lightly cover seeds. Germinates at 21-24C in 7 days. Space 30cm apart in full sun. Approx. 230 seeds/g..</p><p>The genus originally comes from Mexico and Central America. Its recorded history goes back to the Aztec Indians who used the plant for treatment of hiccups, being struck by lightning or 'for one who wished to cross a river in safety'. In the 1500's native marigold seeds were taken to the Spanish court by explorers and were soon grown in monastery gardens. From there seeds went to France and Africa, and the American native eventually came to be called the African marigold. From Africa the seeds went on to India where the flowers are used to decorate village gods during the harvest festivals. By the time of the American Revolution the marigold was re-introduced into colonial gardens. Then in 1915 David Burpee took over the William Atlee Burpee company and began investing money in marigold development. Today there are hundreds of cultivars in many shades of yellow, orange and red, and even a special white variety.</p>
