Marigold
tagetes patula
Also known as: ["French Marigold","Signet Marigold"]
Overview
A popular annual flowering plant known for its vibrant colors and pest-repellent properties.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","deer resistant","pet-friendly","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Tagetes |
| Botanical Name: | Tagetes patula |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate poor soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly (every 1–2 weeks); light shaping as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an overgrown plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms less; adjust for intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate seedlings gradually to full sun; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat; maximize light exposure for best blooms.
Watering
every 7–10 days, or when top inch of soil is dry
Water at the base to avoid foliage disease; ensure soil dries between waterings; adjust based on weather and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter; ensure good drainage.
Temperature
Warm conditions (65–85°F/18–29°C); thrives in heat; sensitive to frost.
Protect from frost; ensure good air flow in heat; adjust watering with temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Fertilize less in winter; apply after watering to prevent root burn; stop when flowering slows.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; cuttings root easily in warm conditions.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and stable.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), high humidity, indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss or seed-starting mix.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–3 weeks; establish in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent plants; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent blooms just above a leaf node; trim stems to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; trim leggy stems for bushier growth.
Tools
Hand pruners, scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; deadhead regularly; trim leggy growth; discard debris to prevent disease.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (1–2 inches wider); ensure drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Not typically needed as annuals; if grown in containers, repot if roots are crowded or growth slows.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation; avoid wetting leaves; water in the morning for optimal absorption.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot; increase during hot, dry periods.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix sand or perlite for drainage; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves (cold); leaf scorch, reduced flowering (heat).
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn purple or black; risk of frost damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; cover plants if frost is expected; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Leaf edges brown or curl; flowers may drop; growth may stall.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during active growth; avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid high nitrogen to prevent leggy growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTagetes patula is not considered toxic to cats. The plant lacks compounds that are harmful to felines, and ingestion is unlikely to cause significant health issues.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Non-toxicTagetes patula is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain compounds that are harmful to canines, and ingestion typically does not result in adverse effects.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Slightly ToxicTagetes patula, commonly known as French marigold, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its essential oils and compounds like terpenoids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are marigolds edible?
A: Yes, the petals of Tagetes patula are edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.
Q: Do marigolds repel pests?
A: Yes, marigolds are known to repel nematodes and other garden pests due to their natural compounds.
Q: How often should marigolds be watered?
A: Marigolds should be watered moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, or when top |
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