Tagetes erecta Swan White F1 | African Marigold | 60-65cm | White Cut Flower Variety

Tagetes erecta ‘Swan White F1’ | African Marigold | Elegant White Blooms for Cutting and Garden Display

Tagetes erecta ‘Swan White F1’ is a groundbreaking hybrid marigold, the first tall variety bred specifically for professional cut flower production. This elegant African Marigold produces large, firm, ball-shaped blooms in a creamy white tone — a rare and sophisticated color among marigolds. Standing 60–80 cm tall, it offers long, strong stems ideal for floral arrangements and bouquets.

Dedicated to Dame Margot Fonteyn’s iconic portrayal of The White Swan in Swan Lake, this variety embodies grace, resilience, and lasting beauty.

‘Swan White F1’ is heat and disease tolerant, flowering abundantly from early summer to autumn. The blooms are odorless, resistant to water damage, and maintain their firm, double-petaled form even in humid or hot conditions. Perfect for cut flowers, edible use, and garden displays, this hybrid combines professional performance with ornamental appeal.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Tagetes erecta ‘Swan White F1’
• Common name: African Marigold, Tall Marigold
• Plant type: Half-hardy annual
• Height: 60–80 cm (23–31 in)
• Width: 30–40 cm (11–16 in)
• Flower size: 6–9 cm (2½–3½ in)
• Color: Creamy white
• Blooming period: June–October
• Use: Cut flower, bedding, containers, edible flower
• Special features: Odorless blooms, long stems, heat and weather tolerance

Sowing & Germination

• Sow indoors: February–April for early blooms
• Temperature: Maintain 21–24°C during germination
• Light: Required for germination
• Germination time: 3–5 days under optimal conditions
• Sowing method: Surface sow on moist seed compost and lightly cover with soil
• Transplanting: After 15–20 days, when seedlings are strong enough to handle
• Harden off: Before planting outdoors after frost risk has passed
• Direct sowing: May onwards, spacing plants 25 cm apart and keeping soil moist until germination

Growing & Care

• Position: Full sun for best growth and flowering
• Soil: Well-drained garden soil, pH 6.0–7.5
• Watering: Keep evenly moist; avoid overwatering
• Feeding: Apply balanced fertilizer moderately
• Pinching: Encouraged to promote branching and bushy growth
• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period

Why Grow ‘Swan White F1’?

• Unique pure white marigold blooms — a standout among traditional golds and oranges
• Excellent stem length and durability for professional floristry
• Odorless, double flowers with firm structure and weather resistance
• Long flowering season, even in hot or humid climates
• Low maintenance and highly productive – ideal for gardeners and flower farmers alike