Tagetes patula 'Fireball' ~ Fireball French Marigold cat-safe IMAGES: Carol Tierney

IMAGES: Carol Tierney

but are often removed to encourage foliage health

Early Spring

Its soft white panicles bloom on sturdy stems through summer into fall

The red blushed gold skin fruits have firm

Tagetes patula 'Fireball' ~ Fireball French Marigold cat-safe IMAGES: Carol TierneyFireball French Marigold is a compact annual with a mounding habit of aromatic basal foliage and dramatic color changing flowers. Fragrant double flowers open deep red and mature to fiery bronze then gold as they mature and bloom on branching stems through spring until frost. Grows best in full sun and evenly moist well drained soils. Naturally repels insects and soil nematodes. Fireball's colors change slower in cool conditions and faster in warmer