Marigold Kee’s Orange

Tagetes erecta ‘Kees Orange’ is a vibrant, large-flowered marigold prized for its deep, rich orange blooms and strong, upright growth. This African marigold variety produces fully double, pompom-like flowers on sturdy stems, making it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. The bold colour and long vase life bring warmth and cheer to both fresh bouquets and summer garden beds.

In the garden, ‘Kees Orange’ thrives in sunny borders, bedding displays and cottage-style plantings, where its vivid colour adds strong contrast and structure. The plants typically reach 60–80 cm in height and bloom continuously from early summer through to autumn. Their strong scent is also useful in companion planting, helping to deter pests such as aphids and whitefly.

For home gardeners, marigolds are easy to grow from seed. In New Zealand, sow indoors from August to October for early flowering, or direct sow in October to November once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplant seedlings when they have 2–3 true leaves, spacing them 30–40 cm apart in full sun. Marigolds prefer well-drained soil and are drought-tolerant once established. Regular deadheading encourages more blooms.