If you're looking for the best French and African marigold varieties for commercial production, landscape programs, or high-volume cut flower growing, four names consistently rise to the top: Super Hero Spry, Durango Bee, Disco Mix, and Coco. Each brings something distinct to the table — from bold bicolor patterns to towering cut-flower stems — and all are available in bulk quantities direct from Trailing Petunia Bulk Seeds.
In this guide, we'll break down each variety in detail, compare their performance characteristics, give you a full zone-by-zone planting calendar, and link you directly to every product so you can order today.
Super Hero Spry Marigold – Bold Bicolor for Borders & Beds
Super Hero Spry is one of the most eye-catching varieties in the entire Super Hero French marigold series. It features golden-yellow petals with a deep mahogany-red edge — a classic bicolor that delivers maximum visual impact in mass plantings, mixed borders, and commercial landscape programs. Plants stay compact at 10–12 inches, making them ideal for plug tray production and tight spacing in beds.
- Type: French Marigold (Tagetes patula)
- Height: 10–12 inches
- Flower form: Fully double, crested
- Color: Golden yellow with mahogany-red edge
- Best use: Borders, mass planting, plug production, containers
- Heat tolerance: Excellent
→ Buy Super Hero Spry Marigold Seeds
Full Super Hero Series – Shop All Colors
Super Hero Spry is just one of many outstanding varieties in the Super Hero lineup. Explore the full series:
- Super Hero Maxi Mix – Full-spectrum blend of all Super Hero colors
- Super Hero Gold – Rich, solid golden-yellow
- Super Hero Harmony – Warm orange-red bicolor
Durango Bee Marigold – Commercial Workhorse with Bicolor Flair
Durango Bee is the standout bicolor of the Durango® French marigold series — one of the most widely grown commercial marigold programs in North America. Durango Bee produces bright yellow blooms with bold mahogany-red markings, and the series is renowned for its exceptional heat tolerance, uniform plug performance, and long garden life. If you're growing for landscape contractors or retail garden centers, Durango is a proven seller.
- Type: French Marigold (Tagetes patula)
- Height: 10–14 inches
- Flower form: Fully double, crested
- Color: Yellow with mahogany-red bicolor
- Best use: Commercial plug production, landscape, mass planting
- Heat tolerance: Outstanding — one of the best in class
→ Buy Durango Bee Marigold Seeds
Full Durango® Series – Shop All Colors
- Durango Mix – Classic blend of all Durango colors
- Durango Outback Mix – Warm earth-tone blend
Disco Mix Marigold – Single-Flowered Color Explosion
Disco Mix is a single-flowered French marigold series that stands apart from the typical double-flowered varieties. Its open, daisy-like blooms in a vibrant mix of yellow, orange, and red create a bold, high-energy display that works beautifully in mass plantings, container programs, and high-visibility landscape installations. Disco Mix is also a strong performer in hot, humid climates where double-flowered types can struggle.
- Type: French Marigold (Tagetes patula)
- Height: 8–12 inches
- Flower form: Single-flowered, open face
- Color: Mix of yellow, orange, red, and bicolors
- Best use: Mass planting, containers, high-heat landscapes
- Heat tolerance: Excellent
→ Buy Disco Mix Marigold Seeds
Full Disco Series – Shop Individual Colors
Coco Marigold – African Cut Flower Powerhouse
Coco is an African marigold (Tagetes erecta) bred specifically for cut flower and dried flower production. Unlike compact French marigolds, Coco grows tall — up to 24–30 inches — with strong, straight stems and large, fully double blooms that are perfect for fresh-cut bouquets and dried flower programs. Coco Gold and Coco Yellow are both top performers for growers supplying florists, farmers markets, and wholesale flower buyers.
- Type: African Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
- Height: 24–30 inches
- Flower form: Fully double, large globe
- Color: Gold and Yellow
- Best use: Cut flower production, dried flower programs, tall borders
- Heat tolerance: Very good
→ Buy Coco Gold Marigold Seeds | → Buy Coco Yellow Marigold Seeds
Variety Comparison Table
| Variety | Type | Height | Flower Form | Best Use | Heat Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Hero Spry | French | 10–12" | Double, crested | Borders, plugs, containers | Excellent |
| Durango Bee | French | 10–14" | Double, crested | Commercial plugs, landscape | Outstanding |
| Disco Mix | French | 8–12" | Single, open face | Mass planting, containers | Excellent |
| Coco Gold/Yellow | African | 24–30" | Double, large globe | Cut flowers, dried flowers | Very Good |
Spacing Guide
| Variety | Plug Tray Spacing | Landscape Spacing | Container Spacing | Cut Flower Row Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Hero Spry | 288-cell or 128-cell | 6–8" | 4–6" per plant | N/A |
| Durango Bee | 288-cell or 128-cell | 8–10" | 4–6" per plant | N/A |
| Disco Mix | 288-cell or 128-cell | 6–8" | 4–6" per plant | N/A |
| Coco Gold/Yellow | 128-cell or 72-cell | 12–18" | 1 plant per 10" pot | 12" in-row, 18" between rows |
When to Plant by USDA Zone
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant Outdoors | Direct Sow | Grower Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | Late March – Early April | Late May – Early June | Not recommended | Short season; start early indoors for full bloom window |
| Zone 4 | Late March – Early April | Mid May – Late May | Not recommended | Use row cover at transplant if late frost risk |
| Zone 5 | Mid March – Early April | Mid May | After last frost (mid May) | Coco needs full season; start indoors for best results |
| Zone 6 | Early – Mid March | Late April – Early May | Early May | Succession sow every 3–4 weeks for continuous bloom |
| Zone 7 | Late February – Early March | Mid – Late April | Mid April | Two full successions possible; fall planting viable |
| Zone 8 | February | Late March – Early April | March – April | Spring and fall crops; avoid peak summer heat for Coco |
| Zone 9 | January – February | February – March | February – March | Fall crop (Sept–Oct start) often outperforms spring |
| Zone 10 | January | February | January – February or Sept–Oct | Avoid June–August; grow in cooler months |
| Zone 11 | Year-round | Year-round | Year-round | Succession plant every 6–8 weeks; manage heat with shade cloth |
Succession Planting Schedule – Zone 6 Example
For continuous marigold bloom from late spring through fall frost in Zone 6:
- Sowing 1: Start indoors March 1–15 → Transplant May 1–10 → Bloom: June–July
- Sowing 2: Direct sow May 1–15 → Bloom: July–August
- Sowing 3: Direct sow June 1–15 → Bloom: August–October
- Sowing 4 (Coco only): Start indoors April 1 → Transplant May 15 → Cut flower harvest: July–September
Germination Guide
All four varieties germinate quickly and reliably under the right conditions:
- Germination temperature: 70–75°F (21–24°C)
- Days to germination: 5–7 days
- Sowing depth: ¼ inch (lightly cover seeds)
- Light at germination: Not required, but light after emergence is critical
- Plug tray recommendation: 288-cell for French types; 128-cell for Coco
- Transplant readiness: 3–4 weeks after sowing for French types; 4–5 weeks for Coco
For a complete germination and plug production guide, see: Marigold Seed Starting Guide – Germination, Plug Trays, and Transplant Timing by Zone
Shop All Four Varieties – Product Grid
| Variety | Image | Shop Now |
|---|---|---|
| Super Hero Spry |  |
Shop Now |
| Super Hero Maxi Mix |  |
Shop Now |
| Super Hero Gold |  |
Shop Now |
| Super Hero Harmony |  |
Shop Now |
| Durango Bee |  |
Shop Now |
| Durango Mix |  |
Shop Now |
| Durango Outback Mix |  |
Shop Now |
| Disco Mix |  |
Shop Now |
| Disco Orange |  |
Shop Now |
| Disco Red |  |
Shop Now |
| Coco Gold |  |
Shop Now |
| Coco Yellow |  |
Shop Now |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Super Hero Spry and other Super Hero marigolds?
Super Hero Spry is a bicolor French marigold with golden-yellow petals edged in deep mahogany-red, making it one of the most visually striking varieties in the Super Hero series. It is compact, heat-tolerant, and ideal for mass plantings, borders, and commercial plug production.
What makes Durango Bee marigold unique for commercial growers?
Durango Bee is a bicolor French marigold with bright yellow petals marked with bold mahogany-red. It is part of the Durango® series, known for exceptional heat tolerance, uniform habit, and strong performance in plug trays — making it a top choice for commercial greenhouse and landscape production.
Is Disco Mix marigold good for mass planting?
Yes. Disco Mix is a single-flowered French marigold series that produces a vibrant blend of yellow, orange, and red tones. Its open, airy flower form and compact habit make it excellent for mass planting, container programs, and high-visibility landscape beds.
What type of marigold is Coco and is it good for cut flowers?
Coco is an African marigold (Tagetes erecta) bred specifically for cut flower production. It produces large, fully double blooms on tall, strong stems. Coco Gold and Coco Yellow are both popular in dried flower programs and fresh-cut bouquet production.
When should I start marigold seeds indoors by USDA zone?
In Zones 3–5, start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost (late March to early April). In Zones 6–7, start 4–6 weeks before last frost (late March). In Zones 8–10, direct sow outdoors in early spring or fall. In Zone 11, marigolds can be grown year-round with succession planting every 6–8 weeks.
What is the correct spacing for French marigolds vs African marigolds?
French marigolds (Super Hero, Durango, Disco) should be spaced 6–10 inches apart for borders and mass plantings. African marigolds like Coco, grown for cut flowers, need 12–18 inches of spacing to allow for full stem development and air circulation.
Can I use these marigold varieties in a dried flower program?
Coco Gold and Coco Yellow are the strongest performers for dried flower programs due to their large, dense blooms that hold color well when dried. Super Hero and Durango varieties can also be dried but are more commonly used in fresh-cut and landscape programs.
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- Marigold Seed Starting Guide – Germination, Plug Trays, and Transplant Timing by Zone
- Marigold Companion Planting Guide – Which Vegetables and Flowers Benefit Most
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