French Marigold, African Marigold, Aztec Marigold, Signet Marigold, Slender leaf Marigold, Striped Mexican Marigold
Blooming their heart out in summer and fall, Tagetes (Marigold) is a genus of annuals and perennials with showy single or double flowers in shades of orange, yellow, red, gold, white, and any combination of those colors. Their strongly aromatic fern-like foliage repels pests such as deer or rabbits, making them great companion plants to other plants.
Marigolds belong to the aster family (Asteraceae), genus Tagetes, which includes about 50 species. However, only three species of annual Marigolds are widely cultivated worldwide.
Tagetes erecta (African Marigold): This is the tallest and most upright species, towering up to 3-4 feet (90-120 cm). It boasts large, double, and pompon-like flowers, up to 5 in. across (12 cm), in shades of yellow, orange, and creamy white. Tagetes erecta is commonly known as the African Marigold, although it did not originate in Africa. It is called African Marigold because it was first imported to Europe through a trade route that passed through northwest Africa. These annual plants are native to Mexico and Central America. They are good for hot, dry garden conditions where other Marigold plants might struggle.
Tagetes patula( French Marigold): French Marigolds are compact and bushy annuals, typically 6-12 inches tall and wide (15-30 cm), with semi-double, double or crested flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), in various combinations of reds, oranges, and yellows. Tagetes patula is commonly known as the French Marigold, but it did not originate in France. It is native to Mexico. It is adaptable to poor soils, heat, humidity, and especially drought. French Marigolds are reported to provide the greatest protection against a wide range of nematodes and are used in companion planting for many vegetable crops.
Tagetes tenuifolia (Signet Marigold): Signet Marigolds are compact annuals, reaching 12 in. in height and spread (30 cm), with a profusion of single, richly colored, small flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), which generously cover the finely divided lacy foliage. Native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Peru, their flowers are edible and have a pleasant lemon scent. They can be used in salads or teas.
Tagetes lemmonii (Mexican Marigold): Mexican Marigold is a sprawling evergreen shrub growing up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) noted for its aromatic foliage and brightly colored flowers. In constant bloom during short-day seasons (fall, winter), with off blooms in other seasons, Mexican Marigold gets covered with bright golden daisy-like flowers adorned with darker yellow discs. The plant is very aromatic. A simple brush past the plant will release its strong fragrance. The musky fragrance discourages deer, yet bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers. Mexican Marigold is native to southern Arizona and northern Mexico and performs best in hardiness zones 8-11.
Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon): Mexican Tarragon is an upright perennial growing up to 30 in. tall (75 cm) with finely toothed, linear, deep green aromatic leaves. It grows all spring and summer and produces a lavish display of small, single, bright golden flowers from late summer to fall. Mexican tarragon is a great plant to attract butterflies, bees, and birds to the garden while repelling many insects. Easy to grow and drought tolerant, this plant is used both for its medicinal properties and as a cooking herb. The leaves add flavor to soups, egg, and meat dishes. The flowers make teas that treat the common cold, intestinal gas, and diarrhea. Mexican Tarragon is native to Mexico and Central America and performs best in hardiness zones 9-11.
Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold, English Marigold): This native of southern Europe is not a true Marigold and should not be confused with the Mexican genus (Tagetes). Its brightly colored flowers are edible and possess wound-healing and local anti-inflammatory properties. Pot Marigold is more commonly grown in the flower garden than as a culinary herb.
Hardiness |
2 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 12 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Genus | Tagetes |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
Height |
8" - 4' (20cm - 120cm) |
Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Edging, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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Hardiness |
2 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 12 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Genus | Tagetes |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
Height |
8" - 4' (20cm - 120cm) |
Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Edging, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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