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. A worldwide favorite since its introduction in the 1900s, Queen Sophia has earned prestigious awards for its outstanding performance and beauty.
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. The edible flowers and leaves can be used to jazz up salads and desserts, adding a unique citrusy and earthy flavor to culinary creations. Queen Sophia’s strong fragrance serves as a natural pest deterrent, making it an excellent companion plant for vegetable gardens.
Queen Sophia marigolds thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially during periods of extreme heat. These compact plants grow to a height of 10-12 inches, making them perfect for borders, containers, and mass plantings. For best results, sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space plants 8-12 inches apart. Regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooming throughout the season, ensuring a long-lasting display of color in your garden.
Growing Success Tips:
- Plant in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.6 and 6.4 for optimal growth
- Water moderately, allowing the soil surface to dry between waterings once plants are established
- Fertilize lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer to improve flower production
- Pinch back young plants to promote bushier growth and more abundant blooms
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.
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
