What are these called?

The tiny garden center I bought these from had no labels on most of the plants, so had no idea what any of them were or if they are perenials which I wanted.

Anyhoo these looked so lovely so I bought them can someone tell me more about them please?

Thank yoooo

 

I think they are a kind of french Marigold- lovely colours!
If so they are annuals but could produce seed later on.

 

African marigolds, next up from french but down from American.

 

American? I suppose they are bigger and better. :D
Not come across them.

 

South American, well central. They originally come from Mexico, despite the name!

 

The tallest old varieties, Doubloon ,Double Eagle,Treasure Trove etc were known as American (up to 3ft), the more recent mid range varieties were also known as American but now seem to be regarded as African as opposed to the smaller french or dwarf french. To confuse even more some of the triploid double and single french varieties can reach 15in, I think I'll leave it there in case anyone has fallen asleep! :confused:

 

Who comes up with these daft names. :confused:

 

Americans?

 

:D :D :D probably!!!!!

S-O-G Don't forget to dead-head!! They will flower for longer if you do. Towards the end of the season - sometime in September, leave one or two flower heads on, and you can save the seeds ready to plant next spring.

 

Thanks guys!

Are the seeds really obvious - do they just drop off? And anyone know when or how to plant the seeds?

Sorry for all the questions - but I am a newbie to gardening, and am trying to make a serious effort with it!!

 

When the flower heads die, they go dry. When you pull gently the dried petals, a tuft of long, matchstick-shaped bits come off, these are the seeds. They are really easy to sow, just scatter over compost in a seed tray in spring, cover with a fine sprinkling of compost, keep moist (not wet) and you will giving the flippin' things away you'll have so many!!!!!! Good luck!!!!!

 

Marvellous! Thanks Honey Bee

 

Ooo they are gorgeous! Going straight on the Whiley wish list! I'm a sucker for yellow flowers.

 

at the end of each dried petal there is a thin long black bit that is the seed for next year.