Tagetes erecta

RHS Plant Profile
African marigold

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African marigold RHS / Joanna Kossak
African marigold RHS / Joanna Kossak

Other common names

Aztec marigold, big marigold

Annual Biennial Bedding
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A bushy annual from 50 to 120cm high with pinnate leaves divided into lanceolate leaflets up to 5cm long. Double flowers 5-10cm wide in shades of yellow, orange and white are produced from summer into autumn; both leaves and flowers are aromatic when crushed or brushed

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus
Tagetes can be annuals or perennials of upright growth, with strongly aromatic pinnately divided leaves and showy daisy-like, single or double flower-heads in summer and autumn
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; taller plants may benefit from staking

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to powdery mildews