Vibrant Dual-Purpose Pollinator Magnet

Queen Sophia marigold is a beloved French marigold variety that captivates with its striking deep orange petals elegantly rimmed in gold. This compact annual reaches maturity in just 60 days, producing an abundance of 2-2.5 inch blooms that persist from spring until the first frost[1][4]. A worldwide favorite since its introduction in the 1900s, Queen Sophia has earned prestigious awards for its outstanding performance and beauty[5].

This versatile marigold offers a multitude of benefits for your garden. Its vibrant flowers not only add a splash of warm color but also attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps, which help control pest populations naturally[1][5]. The edible flowers and leaves can be used to jazz up salads and desserts, adding a unique citrusy and earthy flavor to culinary creations[2]. Queen Sophia’s strong fragrance serves as a natural pest deterrent, making it an excellent companion plant for vegetable gardens[1][2].

Queen Sophia marigolds thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially during periods of extreme heat[2]. These compact plants grow to a height of 10-12 inches, making them perfect for borders, containers, and mass plantings[1][3]. For best results, sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space plants 8-12 inches apart[3][4]. Regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooming throughout the season, ensuring a long-lasting display of color in your garden[4].

Growing Success Tips:

• Plant in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.6 and 6.4 for optimal growth[2]
• Water moderately, allowing the soil surface to dry between waterings once plants are established[2]
• Fertilize lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer to improve flower production[1]
• Pinch back young plants to promote bushier growth and more abundant blooms[2]

Queen Sophia marigolds offer an unbeatable combination of beauty, functionality, and ease of care. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these resilient flowers will reward you with a season-long display of vibrant blooms while supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.

For the longest-lasting cut flowers, harvest Queen Sophia blooms early in the morning when they are fully open but still have tight centers[1].

Product Features

• Compact French marigold variety
• Deep orange flowers with gold-rimmed petals
• Bloom size: 2-2.5 inches across
• Plant height: 10-12 inches
• Days to maturity: 60

Growing Information

• Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil type: Well-draining, pH 5.6-6.4
• Water needs: Moderate
• Spacing: 8-12 inches apart
• Sowing depth: 1/4 inch

Key Benefits

• Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators
• Natural pest deterrent for vegetable gardens
• Edible flowers and leaves for culinary use
• Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established

Citations: [1] https://sandiegoseedcompany.com/product/flowers/organic-queen-sophia-marigold-seeds/ [2] https://www.phytotheca.com/phytotheca/marigold-french-queen-sophia/ [3] https://www.johnnyseeds.com/flowers/marigold/queen-sophia-marigold-seed-1617.html [4] https://natureandnurtureseeds.com/products/queen-sophia-organic-marigold [5] https://www.gardenia.net/plant/tagetes-patula-queen-sofia [6] https://www.burpee.com/marigold-queen-sophia-prod000270.html [7] https://www.gardenia.net/genus/tagetes-marigold [8] https://all-americaselections.org/product/marigold-queen-sophia/ [9] https://fedcoseeds.com/seeds/queen-sophia-french-marigold-5231 [10] https://www.fruitionseeds.com/shop/flowers/marigold/organic-queen-sophia-marigold/ [11] https://greg.app/french-marigold-queen-sophia-overview/ [12] https://www.shootgardening.com/plants/tagetes-patula-queen-sophia [13] https://snakeriverseeds.com/products/marigold-queen-sophia [14] https://www.countrylife.ie/shop/product/Suttons-Seed-French-Marig-Queen-Sophia/9091841 [15] https://www.bulkwildflowers.com/products/queen-sophia-french-marigold-seeds [16] https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/7/1/7140