Tagetes Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 27th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Tagetes plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Tagetes is known for its vibrant golden-yellow flowers that brighten up gardens. Its fragrant nature not only adds a sensory delight but can also act to deter certain garden pests.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: These plants thrive in full sunlight and require a well-drained soil. They are tolerant of various soil types but prefer a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
- General Care: Water them moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Marigolds are beginner-friendly and resilient. Ensure they get plenty of sun and be sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
African Marigold, French Marigold, Signet Marigold, & Mexican Marigold: Cultivation & Garden Use
Members of the Tagetes genus are a commonly grown garden plant
They are hardy or half hardy annuals, and generally reach heights of 15 to 90 cm (6 to 36 inches) - depending upon the species.
Tagetes tenuifolia - Signet Marigold
Tagetes come into bloom from summer through to the first frost of winter. When in bloom Tagetes carry multitudes of single yellow or orange flowers.
Some common names for Tagetes are Marigold, African Marigold, Dwarf Marigold, French Marigold, Aztec Marigold, American marigold and Signet Marigold. Visit this page of GardenersHQ for information on pot marigolds.
How to Grow Marigolds and other Tagetes Plants in your Garden
The seeds of Marigolds (Tagetes) should be sown outdoors a couple of weeks before the last frost of spring. The marigold seeds should be lightly covered once sown.
When planting Marigolds they should ideally be grown in a sunny area of the garden that receives shade in the afternoon.
The soil that Marigolds grow in should be organically enhanced, and of pH 6 to 7.
If starting off indoors, then sow the seeds of marigolds about seven weeks before the last expected frost of spring. They should be transplanted outdoors following the last frost.
Germination of marigold takes from three days to two weeks. Tagetes germination should be done at about 20 to 24 degrees centigrade (68 to 75°F).
It is important to water the young marigold seedlings from below.
When putting Tagetes out into the garden, space small marigold varieties about 15 cm (6 inches) apart; medium species 30 cm (12 inches) apart; and large marigolds from 45 to 60 cm apart (18 to 24 inches).
African Marigold by D.A.L. Both photographs under creative commons licence.
Caring for Marigolds (Tagetes Plant)
It is fairly easy to care for members of the Tagetes plant genus such as Marigolds. They are both hungry and thirsty plants, so fertilize and water frequently. Pinch back tall Marigold varieties when young to encourage bushiness. Give them a support.
Dead-heading of marigold flowers will prolong the blooming season.
Marigolds are annuals, so if you require more plants then they should be propagated from seed.
Commonly Grown Tagetes Species
Tagetes erecta
Tagetes erecta (Aztec Marigold, Mexican Marigold, African Marigold / Big Marigold), photograph by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.
Tagetes tenuifolia
Tagetes tenuifolia (Signet Marigold / Golden Marigold / Lemon Marigold), photograph by Alvin Kho; CC.
Tagetes lucida
Tagetes lucida (Sweet-scented Marigold / Mexican Mint Marigold / Texas Tarragon), photograph by Tyrrhium; CC.
Tagetes lemmonii
Tagetes lemmonii (Lemmon's Marigold), picture by Plant Right; CC.
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Tagetes Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: African Marigold, French Marigold, Signet Marigold, Mexican Marigold, Aztec Marigold.Life Cycle: Half hardy annual, hardy annual.
Height: 4 to 85 inches (10 to 220 cm).
Native: Americas.
Growing Region: Zones 1 to 10.
Flowers: Summer until first frost.
Flower Details: Yellow, white, gold, orange. Daisy-like ray and disc florets.
Foliage: Pinnate. Toothed.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. A couple of weeks before the last frost. Spacing 6 to 30 inches (15 to 75 cm).
Sow Inside: Vermiculite. Water from below. Germination time: three days to two weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Seven or eight weeks before expected last frost. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight or afternoon shade in hot areas. Soil pH 6 to 7. Organic soil. Can survive in dry soils. Monthly feed. Regular watering. Pinch tips. Deadhead.
Family: Asteraceae.
Miscellaneous: Pot Marigold belongs to the Calendula genus. French Marigolds are often grown as companion plants as their roots release substances that are able to destroy nematodes.
Tagetes Patula – French Marigold by LoneWalkerNYC.
Common Questions
How many members does the Tagetes genus have?
The Tagetes genus consists of about 56 species, best known as marigolds.
Do members of the Tagetes plant genus make good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Tagetes is a beloved garden plant, celebrated for its vibrant flowers and pest-repellent properties.
Which Tagetes species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Among the most popular are Tagetes erecta (African Marigold) and Tagetes patula (French Marigold).
Are members of the Tagetes plant genus fragrant?
Yes, Tagetes species often have a strong, distinctive scent, which can deter certain pests.
What is the perfect location to grow Tagetes?
Tagetes prefers full sun and well-drained soil. They are adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Is Tagetes invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
At present, Tagetes species are not considered invasive in the USA. Always consult local regulations for the most current information.
How do I remove Tagetes plants from my garden?
To remove Tagetes, pull up the plants, ensuring you remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Tagetes genus (Marigold) includes annual and perennial plants native to North and South America. They are popular in gardening due to their vibrant, daisy-like flowers and their ability to repel certain pests.
Plant Tagetes seeds directly into the ground in spring, after the threat of frost has passed. They prefer a sunny location and well-drained soil. Regular watering, deadheading, and feeding with a balanced fertilizer will keep them blooming brightly throughout the season.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Tagetes plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Liatris spicata, Cladanthus, Dahlia, and Ageratum plants.
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