Safari Red is actually an amalgam of many shades of red, mahogany, bronze, and copper. The two constants are that the backs of the petals and all of the centers are yellow. The 10-inch plants create a varied and striking display.

25 seeds

PLANTING

Tagetespatula

Annual

Germination:7-10 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 70-75F.

Seed Planting Depth:Sow on the surface and lightly cover

Starting Indoors:Start indoors 4-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 70-75F soil temperature. Transplant after last frost, space 8-15″ apart.

Sowing Outdoors:Starting a week or two before the last frost date into early summer. Sow a few seeds every 8-15″, thin to the most robust seedlings, or sow seeds close together, 1 per inch, and when you thin the seedlings transplant them to other places in the garden.

Growth Habit:Mounded

Height and Width:10 x 10-12

Spacing:8-15″ apart

Light Needs: Full sun

Soil Needs: Average, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed:60-70 days

Uses:Flower beds, containers and planters

Care:Water seedlings regularly until established. Pinch back plants when they are young for a bushier growth habit. Deadhead to prolong blooming. Amend soil with compost before sowing or transplanting or apply liquid fertilizer a few times a season.