African marigold

tagetes erecta

Also known as: ["African marigold","American marigold","Big marigold"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Tagetes Category: Flowers

Overview

A tall, annual flowering plant known for its large, vibrant yellow or orange blooms and pungent foliage.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","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 erecta

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in full sun exposure
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • 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; cactus or succulent mix can be used.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to maintain shape and encourage reblooming.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant’s growth to stimulate new shoots.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in extreme heat to prevent scorching.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure proper air circulation to prevent sunburn.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or compacted soil.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); prefers stable conditions; avoid exposure to frost.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth for optimal growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when blooms appear to encourage flowering; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain temperatures around 70–75°F (21–24°C).

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to speed up root development.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks; establish in new pot after 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips, deadhead spent flowers, and trim leggy stems to promote compact growth.

Pruning Plan

Prune to encourage bushier growth, remove spent flowers, and maintain shape; focus on improving air circulation and light penetration.

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune in early morning; remove dead or diseased parts; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for younger plants to support growth.

Checklist

Choose the right pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water at the base; 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; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the root zone without disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in response to extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and can lead to frost damage or death in severe cases.

Solution: Move plants indoors or to a protected location; use frost cloth or mulch to insulate roots; avoid watering when temperatures are below 50°F (10°C).

Hot Stress

Causes wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering due to excessive water loss.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Tagetes erecta can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as spider mites or aphids. It may also be a sign of viral infections or root rot.

Wilting in Tagetes erecta is often due to water stress, either from overwatering leading to root rot or underwatering causing dehydration. It can also result from pest infestations or diseases affecting the vascular system.

Leaf spots on Tagetes erecta are typically caused by fungal pathogens such as Cercospora or Alternaria, leading to defoliation and reduced photosynthetic efficiency. Severe infections can weaken the plant and reduce flowering.

Rotting in Tagetes erecta, particularly root or stem rot, is commonly caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, leading to fungal infections like Fusarium or Pythium. This can cause plant decline and death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Tagetes erecta. The plant's compounds can cause irritation to the digestive system, leading to discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

Prevent cats from accessing Tagetes erecta. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Tagetes erecta can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones and essential oils. These compounds can irritate the digestive tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

Keep dogs away from Tagetes erecta plants. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Tagetes erecta, commonly known as Mexican marigold, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant amounts. The plant's essential oils and sesquiterpene lactones are responsible for these effects.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea stomach discomfort diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Avoid consuming large quantities of Tagetes erecta. Use gloves when handling to prevent skin irritation.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are African marigolds toxic to pets?

A: They are mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities.

Q: How do I care for African marigolds?

A: Plant in full sun, water moderately, and deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

Q: Do African marigolds attract wildlife?

A: Yes, they attract bees, butterflies, and birds due to their nectar-rich flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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