Marigold 'Inca II Primrose' (Tagetes erecta) is a refined African Marigold known for its massive, fully double blooms and exceptionally sturdy stems. As part of the improved Inca II series, this cultivar was bred for earlier flowering and a more uniform, compact habit than its predecessors. The 'Primrose' variety is particularly valued for its soft, creamy lemon-yellow hue, offering a more sophisticated and subtle color palette compared to the typical harsh oranges of the species.
Mature size: 12 to 15 inches in height; 10 to 12 inches in spread.
Flower: Large, 4-inch "pompom" blooms; fully double with tightly packed petals in a soft primrose yellow.
Foliage: Dark green, deeply pinnate (fern-like) leaves with a distinct, pungent aroma.
Hardiness: Annual; sensitive to frost.
Full Sun is essential. These marigolds thrive in high-heat environments and require maximum light to produce their signature large flower heads and maintain strong, upright stems.
Requires moderate but consistent moisture. Water at the base of the plant to keep the dense, heavy flower heads dry, as trapped moisture can lead to botrytis (gray mold). They are moderately drought-tolerant once established but bloom best with regular hydration.
Thrives in average, well-drained garden soil. They are not overly picky about soil type but perform best in loamy soil with a neutral pH. Proper drainage is a must to prevent stem rot in humid conditions.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting. Avoid over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen mixes, as this can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of the large, ornamental blooms.
Deadheading is highly recommended; removing the heavy, spent flower heads encourages the plant to continue producing new buds throughout the season. The Inca II series is bred to resist "lodging" (falling over), so staking is generally unnecessary despite the large flower size.
The compact height and large flowers make 'Inca II Primrose' a perfect choice for mid-border accents and large mixed containers. Its soft yellow tone pairs beautifully with blue or purple companions like Salvia or Ageratum. Additionally, marigolds are frequently used in vegetable garden borders as a companion plant to help deter certain pests.
Marigold 'Inca II Primrose' offers the architectural impact of a large-flowered African Marigold on a manageable, sturdy frame. Its unique creamy color and high petal count provide a premium, florist-quality look to the summer garden while remaining exceptionally easy to grow.
NOTE: Available for pickup after 5/15
Marigold 'Inca II Primrose' (Tagetes erecta) is a refined African Marigold known for its massive, fully double blooms and exceptionally sturdy stems. As part of the improved Inca II series, this cultivar was bred for earlier flowering and a more uniform, compact habit than its predecessors. The 'Primrose' variety is particularly valued for its soft, creamy lemon-yellow hue, offering a more sophisticated and subtle color palette compared to the typical harsh oranges of the species.
Mature size: 12 to 15 inches in height; 10 to 12 inches in spread.
Flower: Large, 4-inch "pompom" blooms; fully double with tightly packed petals in a soft primrose yellow.
Foliage: Dark green, deeply pinnate (fern-like) leaves with a distinct, pungent aroma.
Hardiness: Annual; sensitive to frost.
Full Sun is essential. These marigolds thrive in high-heat environments and require maximum light to produce their signature large flower heads and maintain strong, upright stems.
Requires moderate but consistent moisture. Water at the base of the plant to keep the dense, heavy flower heads dry, as trapped moisture can lead to botrytis (gray mold). They are moderately drought-tolerant once established but bloom best with regular hydration.
Thrives in average, well-drained garden soil. They are not overly picky about soil type but perform best in loamy soil with a neutral pH. Proper drainage is a must to prevent stem rot in humid conditions.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting. Avoid over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen mixes, as this can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of the large, ornamental blooms.
Deadheading is highly recommended; removing the heavy, spent flower heads encourages the plant to continue producing new buds throughout the season. The Inca II series is bred to resist "lodging" (falling over), so staking is generally unnecessary despite the large flower size.
The compact height and large flowers make 'Inca II Primrose' a perfect choice for mid-border accents and large mixed containers. Its soft yellow tone pairs beautifully with blue or purple companions like Salvia or Ageratum. Additionally, marigolds are frequently used in vegetable garden borders as a companion plant to help deter certain pests.
Marigold 'Inca II Primrose' offers the architectural impact of a large-flowered African Marigold on a manageable, sturdy frame. Its unique creamy color and high petal count provide a premium, florist-quality look to the summer garden while remaining exceptionally easy to grow.
NOTE: Available for pickup after 5/15
