Marigold

  • ​Common Name: Marigold
  • Scientific Name: Tagetes
  • Family Name: Asteraceae
  • Origin: Mexico
  • Height: 1 to 4 ft, depending on species
  • Width:  1 to 2 ft
  • Growth: Medium
  • Zone: USDA Zones 2 through 11
  • Light needs: Full sun
  • Salt tolerance: Moderate
  • Soil/pH/Texture: Plant in evenly moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
  • Moisture: Moderate water needs – soil should remain uniformly moist
  • Drought tolerance: Moderate
  • Pests/Diseases: Powdery mildew may occur in high humidity.
  • Growing conditions: Marigolds should be planted in a warm, sunny area. Too much shade will cause the plant to become leggy and bloom less. It can grow well without any fertilizer unless the soil is extremely poor. It is drought tolerant once established but will be healthiest with moist soil. It is an excellent container plant that needs minimal care.
  • Characteristics: This plant forms a low, compact bush with many thin, densely packed stems. Leaves are pinnately compound with serrated leaflets and grow oppositely along the stem. Flowers differ slightly among species but range in color from red to yellow and have many rows of small, curled petals which form a prominent, round bloom. Seeds grow on the wilted flowers and can easily be pulled out. Marigolds are true annuals and will die at the end of the growing season.
  • Propagation: Seeds are the easiest and most reliable way of propagation. Stem cuttings are also used but are generally less successful.
  • Wildlife: The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other insects.
  • Facts: Along with its ornamental uses, some marigold species are used to make tea or as a culinary herb. Some species are host plants for butterfly and moth caterpillars. The most commonly cultivated species are the African marigold (Tagetes erecta) and the French marigold (Tagetes patula).
  • Designer considerations: It is commonly used as a colorful border or ground cover plant. Marigolds should be paired with white, purple, or blue flowers to balance out the warm colors. It is a must-have for butterfly gardens, as the flowers are highly attractive to insect pollinators. Marigold is also a good addition to herb gardens, where the flowers will add pops of color among the less showy culinary herbs. 

Marigold

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