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Tagetes erecta ‘Sugar & Spice White’ (African Marigold)

African Marigold 'Sugar & Spice White', Aztec Marigold 'Sugar & Spice White', American Marigold 'Sugar & Spice White', Big Marigold 'Sugar & Spice White'

Tagetes erecta Sugar & Spice White, African Marigold Sugar & Spice White, Aztec Marigold Sugar & Spice White, Big Marigold Sugar & Spice White, White Marigold, White Marigolds
Tagetes erecta Sugar & Spice White, African Marigold Sugar & Spice White, Aztec Marigold Sugar & Spice White, Big Marigold Sugar & Spice White, White Marigold, White Marigolds

Tagetes erecta ‘Sugar & Spice White’ (African Marigold) is a compact, bushy annual boasting large, white, double carnation-type, creamy yellow flowers, 3 in. across (7 cm), that fade to white as they mature. Blooming from early summer until frost, the showy blossoms are borne atop the foliage of deep-green leaves divided into lanceolate leaflets. Both flowers and foliage are strongly aromatic and have insect-repelling qualities. Easy to grow and low maintenance, African Marigolds are excellent for beds, borders, and containers.

  • Grows up to 16 in. tall (40 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 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 plants, in borders 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, gray mold or botrytis, leaf spot, root rot, 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.
  • Space them carefully to allow for good air circulation.
  • Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering.
  • Foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Tagetes erecta is native to Mexico, and Central America.

Marigold: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Learn how to plant, grow and care for Marigolds and add a bright pop of color all summer long.

Requirements

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, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Tagetes
Common names African Marigold, Marigold
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (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 Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Tagetes patula ‘Legion of Honor’ (French Marigold)
Tagetes patula ‘Konstance’ (French Marigold)
Tagetes erecta Big Duck Orange F1 (African Marigold)
Tagetes erecta Big Duck Gold F1 (African Marigold)
Tagetes erecta Big Duck Yellow F1 (African Marigold)
Tagetes erecta ‘Kees’ Orange’ (African Marigold)

Recommended Companion Plants

Salvia farinacea (Mealy Cup Sage)
Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)
Cleome hassleriana ‘Rose Queen’ (Spider Flower)
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan)
Cosmos Flowers
Zinnia elegans (Zinnia)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

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, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Tagetes
Common names African Marigold, Marigold
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (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 Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Tagetes (Marigold)
Guides with
Tagetes (Marigold)
Not sure which Tagetes (Marigold) to pick?
Compare Now

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