Southern marigold
tagetes minuta
Also known as: ["Stinking roger","Stinking weed","Peruvian marigold","Wild marigold"]
Overview
A tall, aromatic annual herb native to South America, known for its strong scent and small yellow flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","deer resistant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Tagetes |
| Botanical Name: | Tagetes minuta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in full sun exposure
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but performs best with enrichment.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; as needed to remove spent flowers or damaged foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown, but avoid heavy pruning during flowering
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify sunlight.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); thrives in full sun but can tolerate mild frosts.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning roots; apply to moist soil to prevent nutrient shock; avoid fertilizing newly planted or stressed plants.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., perlite and peat moss) or vermiculite.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; cut just above a leaf node or lateral branch.
Pruning Plan
Prune to encourage bushier growth, remove dead or diseased parts, and improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools; prune at the right time; make clean cuts; dispose of pruned material properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; avoid waterlogging by ensuring proper drainage.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and can lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; use row covers for in-ground plants; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, flowers may drop, and growth may slow in temperatures above 90°F (32°C).
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; reduce or stop fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Tagetes minuta. The plant's essential oils can irritate the digestive tract, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Tagetes minuta can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's essential oils. While not highly toxic, large amounts may cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Slightly ToxicTagetes minuta, commonly known as wild marigold, contains volatile oils that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant amounts. The plant's essential oils may also act as a mild irritant to mucous membranes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Tagetes minuta edible?
A: While some parts are used in traditional medicine, it is generally not recommended for culinary use due to its strong, pungent flavor.
Q: Does Tagetes minuta repel pests?
A: Yes, its strong scent is known to repel certain insects, making it useful in companion planting.
Q: How tall does Tagetes minuta grow?
A: It can grow up to 1.5–2 meters tall under optimal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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