Spectacular 6-7cm (2½-3in) bright yellow, double blooms on dwarf sturdy plants makes it a considerable improvement on its nearest rival. It is quite as dwarf as many French marigolds and very neat and tidy whilst retaining its huge and fully double blooms, extraordinary reliability and almost legendary heat and poor weather tolerance. Flowers mid to late summer. Height 20-25cm (8-10in).

Sow in early spring in a good seed compost just covering the seed with compost. Make sure that the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 5-10 days at 21-24C (70-75F ).

Transplant when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots, and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart in a sunny spot in ordinary garden soil.

The flowers taste of orange or lemon. Use in sandwiches, salads, seafood chowders and hot desserts.