Tagetes erecta
Tagetes erecta
African marigold
●
Taxonomy
Family Asteraceae · Genus Tagetes
Description
Tagetes erecta, the classic African marigold, is a sun-loving annual prized for its big, frilly flowers in golds, oranges, and creams. It’s tough, heat-tolerant, blooms for months, and is as happy edging beds as it is brightening containers or cutting gardens.
Common Names
African marigoldAztec marigoldAmerican marigoldMexican marigoldBig marigoldCempasúchil
Context
nativeRegion
Mexico and Central America
usdaZones
Grown as an annual in most regions; short-lived perennial in USDA 9–11.
companionPlants
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Roses, Basil, Squash
culturalUses
Iconic for Día de Muertos (cempasúchil) altars, garlands in South Asia, natural dye/xanthophyll source, ornamental bedding, and pest-suppressive companion plant.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (6–8+ hours daily) for best flowering.
WateringModerate; water when top 1 inch of soil is dry. Drought-tolerant once established; avoid soggy soil.
SoilWell-drained, loamy or sandy soil; average fertility; pH 6.0–7.5. Avoid heavy, waterlogged sites.
FertilizerLight feeder. Mix in a balanced slow‑release at planting or feed monthly at half strength. Too much nitrogen reduces blooms.
HumidityAverage household/outdoor humidity; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
TemperaturePrefers 65–85°F (18–29°C). Frost sensitive; plant after last frost.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitUpright, bushy annual (short-lived perennial in frost-free climates).
Mature Size1–4 ft tall and 1–2 ft wide, depending on cultivar.
Growth RateFast-growing from seed.
BloomingLate spring through frost; large double blooms in yellow, orange, and creamy white.
DormancyNone when grown as an annual; killed by frost. In warm zones, growth slows in cool season.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Softwood stem cuttings
DifficultyEasy from seed; cuttings moderate.
Best SeasonSpring after last frost (indoors 4–6 weeks earlier for transplants).
Maintenance & Notes
PruningDeadhead spent blooms to extend flowering; pinch young plants for bushier growth; shear lightly if leggy.
RepottingFor containers, pot up as seedlings establish; move to final pot early in the season. Not applicable in ground.
Pests & DiseasesAphids, spider mites, thrips, and leaf miners possible; fungal leaf spots, Botrytis, and powdery mildew in crowded or humid conditions; root rot in poorly drained soil.
ToxicitySap may irritate skin. Ingesting foliage/flowers can cause mild GI upset in pets; supervise sensitive animals and children.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.