Tagetes erecta (African Marigold)

Noted for its large blossoms, Tagetes erecta (African Marigold) is a bushy annual boasting huge double flowers, up to 2-4 in. across (5-10 cm) in shades of yellow, orange, and white. Blooming from early summer until frost, the showy blossoms are borne atop the foliage of pinnate leaves divided into lanceolate leaflets. Both flowers and foliage are aromatic when crushed or brushed. Easy to grow and low maintenance, African marigolds are excellent for beds, borders, and containers.

• Grows up to 1-4 ft. tall (30-120 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm)
• Performs best in full sun in moderately fertile, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Some light afternoon shade is tolerated in hot summer areas. Adaptable to poor soils, African Marigold is drought tolerant once established. Site tall varieties in locations sheltered from strong winds.
• African Marigolds are excellent additions to the landscape as bedding, edging plants, or in containers on the deck or patio. They are a good choice for hot, dry garden conditions where French Marigolds (Tagetes patula) might struggle.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, Botrytis, leaf spots, rots, spider mites, and thrips. Deer tend to avoid this plant.
• African Marigolds may be grown from seeds or live plants. Sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed or indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last spring frost date.
• Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering.
• Foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Native to Mexico, Central America.

Popular African Marigolds

• Antigua Series: 12-16 in. tall (30-40 cm) with fully double flowers, 3 in. wide (7 cm), covering the entire plant, in shades of gold, orange, primrose, yellow, and a mix.
• Big Duck Series: 15 in. tall (37 cm) with large flowers, 3-4 in. across (7-10 cm) bloom heavily until the very end of the growing season. Extremely heat tolerant. All-America Selections (AAS) award for their garden performance.
• Crackerjack Series: 36 in. tall plants (90 cm) with large blooms in shades of gold, orange, primrose, and yellow.
• French Vanilla:18-24 in. tall plants (45-60 cm) with pure creamy white flowers, 3 in. wide (7 cm).
• Gold Coin Series:18-24 in. tall plants (45-60 cm) with large (5 in. across or 12 cm) double blossoms in gold, yellow, and orange.
• Inca II Series: 12-14 in. tall (30-35 cm) with large, double flowers in shades of gold, orange, primrose, yellow, and a mix.
• Jubilee Series: 24 in.tall plants (60 cm) with dense, double flowers in shades of yellow and orange.
• Marvel II Series: 16-18 in. tall (40-45 cm) with large flowers on well-branched plants that hold up well to weather. The series is offered in gold, orange, yellow, and a mix.
• Safari Series: 8-10 in. tall plants (20-25 cm) with carnation-like, large flowers, 2 in. wide (5 cm), in shades of maroon, yellow, and orange.