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Plant Profiles / Marigold
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Marigold
Tagetes erecta; T. patula · African marigold, French marigold
Bright orange, yellow and red pompom flowers from spring to autumn. Easy, cheerful and great companions for vegies.
Full sunLight
Twice a weekWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Full sun.
Water
Twice a week
DryWet
Let top dry.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
10–35°C (50–95°F)
CoolWarm
Frost tender annual.
Growth
Fast
SlowFast
20–90 cm.
Soil
Potting mix
LeanRich
Free-draining.
Fertiliser
Monthly
RarelyOften
Light feeding.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Mildly irritating only.
About this plant
Marigolds come from Mexico and Central America. French types are compact; African types are taller with large blooms. They're thought to deter some pests.
Best spots
Sunny pots, window boxes and vegie containers.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Tagetes erecta; T. patula |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Mature size | 20–90 cm |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Flowers | Orange, yellow, red |
| Toxicity | Low |
| Propagation | Seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Plant
Flowering
Deadhead
PlantFloweringDeadhead
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Mildew | Airflow. |
| Few flowers | Too much feed. |
| Snails | Bait. |
| Leggy | Pinch. |
| Rot | Overwatering. |
Common questions
Do they repel pests?
Some evidence for nematodes.
Deadhead?
Yes.
Pots?
Yes.
Pet safe?
Generally.
