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Tagetes spp.

marigolds

Asteraceae

Americas, centered in Mexico and Central America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (strong)Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

Overview

Tagetes spp. is a genus of about 50 species of annual and perennial herbs in the family Asteraceae, native to the Americas with the greatest concentration of species in Mexico and Central America. Plants grow from 6 to 48 inches (15 to 120 cm) tall, forming branched, bushy mounds of pinnately divided leaves. The foliage carries scattered oil glands that release a pungent scent when bruised. Flower heads are borne singly or in clusters and measure 0.5 to 4 inches (1 to 10 cm) across, with ray florets in yellow, orange, red, mahogany, and bicolored combinations surrounding a central disc. Garden marigolds derive mainly from T. erecta, with tall stems and large double heads, and T. patula, which is shorter with smaller single or double heads; T. tenuifolia bears many small single flowers, and T. lucida is grown for its anise-scented leaves. Most cultivated forms flower without pause from early summer until frost. The genus produces thiophenes in its roots and foliage, compounds linked to suppression of certain soil nematodes. Seed forms in narrow black achenes tipped with a small tuft, and self-sown seedlings appear freely in warm climates.

Native Range

Native to the Americas, with the center of diversity in Mexico and Central America. Several species extend south through the Andes and across South America, and a few reach into the southwestern United States.

Suggested Uses

Planted in summer bedding, borders, containers, and as edging for vegetable plots. T. erecta and T. patula are interplanted among vegetables, a practice linked to lower root-knot nematode populations. The leaves of T. lucida are used as a tarragon substitute.

How to Identify

Recognized by pinnately divided leaves dotted with oil glands that emit a sharp scent when crushed. The composite heads combine ray florets in yellow to red shades around a central disc on smooth or slightly winged stems. Seeds are slender black achenes carried in a cup-shaped involucre.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 4'

Width/Spread6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowering runs from early summer through the first autumn frosts, roughly June to October in temperate gardens. Heads open in succession over many weeks, and removal of spent heads extends the flowering period. In frost-free regions some species flower nearly year-round.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow, orange, red, and mahogany, often bicolored

Foliage Description

green to dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Tagetes spp. species grow in full sun and well-drained soil of moderate fertility, tolerating poor and dry ground once established. Seed germinates quickly in warm soil, and plants reach flowering size within two to three months of sowing. Rich soil and shade produce lank growth and fewer flowers. Even moisture supports continuous bloom, though established plants withstand short droughts. Tall forms of T. erecta may need staking in exposed sites to keep stems from bending under heavy heads.

Pruning

Pinching young plants at 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) tall encourages branching and more flowering stems. Removing faded heads through the season maintains bloom and limits self-seeding. Cutting leggy plants back by one-third in midsummer prompts a fresh flush of growth.