Tagetes

( tah - JEE - teez )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Marigold, this genus of annuals and perennials includes species which need full sun and regular water to perform well in the landscape. They are native to the Americas and range in height from 6 inches to over 6 feet tall. Flowers can be any shade from pale yellow through maroon and green leaves are usually fragrant. Use these flowers for vivid color, pest deterrence, and attracting pollinators. They are planted in borders and edges, in mass plantings, or in containers or window boxes. They can also be included in cut flower gardens. Take care when planting Marigolds in the landscape or keeping them indoors, as they are considered mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Tagetes Species and Varietals

The genus Tagetes is a member of the plant family Asteraceae and includes 50 species. The plants in this genus are related to those in Chrysactinia (Diamianita Daisy), Aster (Michaelmas Daisy), Bellis (Common Daisy), Callistephus (China Aster), Felicia (Blue Daisy), Solidago (Goldenrod) and Calendula (Pot Marigold). The best growing zones for Marigold vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Tagetes erecta (American Marigold, African Marigold, Aztec Marigold, Big Marigold, Cempoalxóchitl, Cempoalxóchitl, Mexican Marigold)
This annual species grows in all zones, and most have double flowers. Plants are native to Mexico and Guatemala and reach up to between 8 and 36 inches tall when mature and in bloom. These flowers are well suited for USDA hardiness zones 2-11. Cultivars are outlined below:

'Antigua'
10-12 inch tall plants.

'Guys and Dolls'
Plants grow to 12-14 inches.

'Inca' and 'Inca II'
12-14 inches tall.

'Perfection'
16-20 inches tall.

'Climax'
This species reaches 2.5 to 3 feet tall.

'Sweet Cream'
Cream colored flowers on a 16-inch tall plant.

'Odorless'
To 2.5 feet tall.

'Zenith'
Long bloom season on a 12-15 inch tall plant.

Tagetes filifolia (Irish Lace, Irish Lace Marigold, Fernleaf Marigold, Anís de Chucho, Anisillo, Anís de Campo, Anís de Suelo, Tanix' Ch'ian, Yuku Anís, Rosa Pascua, Anís de Monte)
This species is an annual and grows in all zones. It forms a mound of bright green aromatic foliage that looks a bit like a small fern when out of bloom. The plant smells distinctively of anise or licorice. Flowers are small and white. This species is native to an area that spans from northern Mexico through Argentina. Despite its common name, this plant does not grow in Ireland. Can be grown in all zones.

Tagetes foetidissima (Flor de Muerto, Death Flower)
These branching annual plants can reach up to 40 inches tall when fully grown, and produces green foliage. Flowers are small and yellow, produced in clusters towards the ends of stems. These plants are unpleasantly aromatic, and are considered an agricultural weed in some areas of the globe. This species is native to Mexico and Central America through Costa Rica and are suited for USDA hardiness zones 2-11.

Tagetes lemmonii (Tagetes palmeri) (Copper Canyon Daisy, Lemmon's Marigold, Mountain Marigold, Mexican Marigold)
This species is a perennial and is a bit shrub-like, growing best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 8-10, 12-24 and H1. Leaves are very fragrant and flowers are golden orange. Blooms pop throughout the year, peaking in winter and springtime. These plants are damaged by frost. Prune to improve shape and remove dead foliage. This species tends to be short-lived and needs moderate to regular water to do well in the garden.

Tagetes lucida (Mexican Marigold, Mexican Tarragon, Sweetscented Marigold, Mexican Mint Marigold, Sweet Mace, Texas Tarragon, Pericon, Yerbaniz, Heribanis)
This perennial grows best in zones 8-10 and 12-24, and is often grown as an annual in all zones. It reaches 3 feet tall and wide, with dark green leaves that have the scent (and flavor) of licorice. Yellow flowers are inconspicuous and bloom in spring and fall. This species needs moderate to regular water.

Tagetes mendocina
Native to Argentina, these plants produce white or yellow flowers that are relatively small compared to those of other species in the genus. Plants typically reach over 6 feet tall and can grow in a variety of different soil types. They are considered an invasive species in some areas of the world.

Tagetes minuta (Muster John Henry, Southern Marigold, Khakibos, Stinking Roger, Wild Marigold, Black Mint, Huacatay, Wakataya)
This species is native to southern and subtropical regions of South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador, and Paraguay. It is suited for USDA hardiness zones 2-11. Plants can reach up to 1.5 to 6.5 feet tall when mature and have an erect growth habit with a somewhat woody base. Leaves are green and flowers are small and white. The culinary herb Black Mint is harvested from this species, and has a complex flavor that combines Mint, Basil, Citrus, and Tarragon. Stinking Roger is considered invasive in regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America.

Tagetes patula (French Marigold)
This species is an annual and grows well in all zones. Plant height varies depending on the cultivar grown, but most are compact, shrubby plants with green foliage and blooms that sit just above the leaves. Blossoms can be fully double or single, and flower color ranges from yellow to brown. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Janie'
To 8 inches tall with double blooms.

'Bonanza'
This variety reaches 10 inches tall and has a range of colors.

'Little Hero'
10-12 inch tall plant in a range of colors.

'Aurora'
This strain has larger flowers that are semi-double.

Tagetes tenuifolia (Tagetes signata) (Signet Marigold, Golden Marigold, Lemon Marigold, Striped Mexican Marigold)
This species reaches up to 8-10 inches tall and 6 to 30 inches wide at maturity. Flowers are single and relatively small, but blooms are profuse. Foliage is green and finely cut. Flowers can be used as a garnish and have a lemony flavor, hence the common name Lemon Marigold. Signet Marigold is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 2-11. Cultivars include those in the 'Gem' series (compact plants in a variety of flower colors), 'Starfire' (a mix with yellow, orange and red flowers), and 'Luna Orange' (with an excellent branching habit great for low borders or groundcover).

Caring for Tagetes

Take care when planting Marigolds in the landscape or keeping them indoors, as they are considered mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are easy to grow from seed, and will sprout in a few days in warm soil. They can also be purchased as starts or specimens from a reputable nursery. Dig holes extra deep to make taller types stand better, stripping off the bottom few inches of leaves and planting the naked section in the soil. Grow these flowers in full sun; ideally they need between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day to perform and bloom well. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Marigolds like regular waterings and do not like to have dry feet. Do not allow soil to stay dry for more than a few days at a time to avoid wilting and plant decline. Avoid overhead sprinkling for the taller varieties, as doing so can cause mold issues.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Do not fertilize Marigolds, as they actually grow better in leaner soils. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Annual species are typically pulled at the end of the season to be replaced in the next. Perennial species can be cut back in early springtime to encourage a bushier growth habit to form and to trigger vigorous new growth and flowering.

Caring for Tagetes in Containers
Tagetes, or Marigolds are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Tagetes plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot. Annual species are typically pulled at the end of the growing season and composted, replaced the next year with new plants.

Harvesting Tagetes
Tagetes plants can be harvested for their edible, aromatic foliage and flowers. The species most commonly cultivated as culinary herbs are Tagetes lucida (Mexican Mint, Mexican Tarragon), Tagetes minuta (Huacatay) and Tagetes tenuifolia (Signet Marigold). Foliage is typically harvested as a cut-and-come-again herb, and flower petals can also be harvested to be added to salads, pastas, and desserts as edible garnish. The best time to harvest these plant parts is in the morning, after dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Using sharp, clean shears or snips, harvest foliage, never taking more than a third of the plant's leaves at any time. To harvest flowers, simply snip off the whole head. Foliage and flowers can be stored in a damp paper towel inside of a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If larger sprigs of foliage were harvested that include good amounts of stem, they can be placed into a jar with an inch of water in the refrigerator. For longer storage, leaves can be frozen in oil or butter in easy-to-grab cubes. To dry leaves and flower petals, lay them out in a single layer on a screen or other flat surface in a dry, dark, well-ventilated room. Alternatively, if foliage was harvested by the stem, it can be hung in bundles upside-down. After plant parts have completely dried, they can be broken down and stored in airtight containers. Foliage is typically used as a substitute for Mint or Tarragon in recipes, and can also be used in salads, infused into beverages, teas, and syrups or ground with sugar to make an aromatic topping for desserts. Flowers can be used as a color substitute for Saffron, used to top salads, in herbal teas and infusions, or mixed into marinades or pickles.

Marigolds are also popular cut flowers, adding long-lasting vibrant color and structure to fresh and dried arrangements (they hold color when dried). They are harvested in early summer through late fall (until the first hard frost of the year). The species most commonly grown in cut flower gardens are Tagetes erecta (African Marigold), Tagetes patula (French Marigold) and Tagetes lucida (Mexican Mint). For the tallest stems and most impressive blooms, cultivars of the African Marigold are best. The best time of the day to harvest cut flowers is in the morning, after dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Choose flowers that are 50% to 75% open; blooms that are fully closed may not open well in water, and those that are overripe will fade faster. Using sharp, clean shears, sever the stems at their base and remove all leaves that will be below the water line. Drop them into a bucket of cool water. Marigold cut flowers can last in a vase for 7 to 14 days. To dry flowers, bundle them and hang them upside-down in a cool, dark area with good ventilation. They take about 2 to 3 weeks to dry completely. Dried flowers can be used in arrangements, potpourri, or other crafts.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Tagetes, or Marigold, can be propagated by division, cutting or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division or cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid cultivar. To propagate your Marigold, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Tagetes by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Tagetes by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 3-4 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new plant.

Tagetes seed heads remain after petals fall from flowers.

Tagetes seeds are small, black to dark brown, and linear with a feathery attachment.

Problems and Pests

Certain Tagetes species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Tagetes, or Marigold, flowerscan be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: