Marigold (Tagetes spp.) Datasheet

1. Common Name: Marigold

2. Scientific Name: Tagetes spp.

3. Family: Asteraceae

4. Origin: Native to Central & South America (Mexico & Guatemala)

5. Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–11 (annuals); select species are perennial in warmer zones

6. Light Requirements: Full sun preferred; tolerates partial shade

7. Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged soil

8. Soil Preferences: Well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soil; pH 6.0–7.0

9. "Ponics" Compatibility:
   • Aquaponics: Compatible
   • Aeroponics: Compatible
   • Hydroponics: Compatible
   • Preferred Method: Media-bed; ensure good drainage and light

10. Growth Habit: Annual (most species); upright to mounding; height varies 6 in–4 ft

11. Height & Spread: Heights 6″ to 48″; spread 6″–24″ depending on type

12. Time from Germination to Harvest: Blooms ~50–60 days after sowing

13. Flowering Time: Late spring through fall until frost

14. Edible Parts: Petals, young leaves; petals used raw in salads, teas, dishes, or as a colorant

15. Medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory; petals and oils used traditionally for teas and digestive support

16. Companion Plants: Excellent with vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, cucurbits; repels nematodes and pests

17. Pest & Disease Resistance: Deters aphids, nematodes, squash bugs; may host beneficial insects; restrict near legumes due to allelopathy

18. Harvest Time: Harvest flowers when fully open; petals dried or used fresh; pick regularly to promote new blooms

19. Propagation Methods: Direct sow ¼″ deep after frost; easy from seed; some species self-seed prolifically

20. Sustainability Features: Attracts pollinators, beneficial insects; roots produce nematode-suppressing compounds; low maintenance

21. Culinary Uses: Edible petals in salads, baked goods, rice dishes; Tagetes erecta petals used as a food colorant (lutein)

22. Fun Fact: The yellow-orange lutein from African marigold petals is approved as a natural food color (INS E161b) in the EU

French Marigold (Tagetes patula)
Flower Color: Orange, yellow, red, or bi-colored.
Bloom Time: Late spring to frost.
Notes: Compact, bushy plants (6–18″ tall); ideal for edging and containers. Known for heavy bloom production and excellent pest control.

African Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
Flower Color: Bright yellow, gold, orange.
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer.
Notes: Tall, upright habit (up to 3–4 ft); also called Aztec marigold. Great for cut flowers and attracting pollinators.

Signet Marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia)
Flower Color: Yellow, orange, red, often with fine textures.
Bloom Time: Summer to frost.
Notes: Lacy foliage; edible flowers with citrus-like flavor. Grows to 12″ tall. Used in salads and teas.

Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida)
Flower Color: Golden yellow.
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall.
Notes: Aromatic herb with anise-like flavor; used as a tarragon substitute in cooking. Perennial in warm climates (Zones 8–11).

Bolero (Tagetes patula 'Bolero')
Flower Color: Fiery mix of deep orange with yellow centers.
Culinary Uses: Edible petals for salads and teas; also used as companion plant.
Notes: Compact French heirloom (~10–12″ tall); excellent for borders; repels pests.
Planting Tip: Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct sow after frost; space 8–10″ apart.
Days to Maturity: ~60–70 days

Queen Sophia (Tagetes patula 'Queen Sophia')
Flower Color: Dark orange petals rimmed in gold.
Culinary Uses: Edible; use petals in baked goods or teas.
Notes: Non-GMO heirloom; 2½–3″ blooms; AAS winner in 1979 and RHS recommended in 1983.
Planting Tip: Space 10–12″ apart; pinch spent blooms to extend flowering.
Days to Maturity: ~70 days

Brocade Mix (Tagetes patula 'Brocade')
Flower Color: Mahogany-red petals with golden centers.
Culinary Uses: Petals garnish for visual-rich dishes.
Notes: Elegant French heirloom mix; perfect for edging; thrives even in cool climates.
Planting Tip: Sow directly after frost; space 8–12″ apart.
Days to Maturity: ~60 days

Crackerjack Series (Tagetes erecta 'Crackerjack')
Flower Color: Vivid yellow to orange large double blooms.
Culinary Uses: Petals for colorant; excellent cut flowers.
Notes: Tall African heirloom (~36″); nematode-suppressing roots; blooms until frost.
Planting Tip: Provide support for heavy heads; deadhead for continuous bloom.
Days to Maturity: ~60–90 days

Yellow Supreme (Tagetes erecta 'Yellow Supreme')
Flower Color: Shimmering lemon-gold ruffled ‘petticoat’ flowers.
Culinary Uses: Edible petals; stunning visual in arrangements.
Notes: Tall, branching African variety (~30″); drought and deer resistant.
Planting Tip: Sow after frost; remove spent blooms to promote rebloom.
Days to Maturity: ~60–70 days

Sparky French Mix (Tagetes patula 'Sparky')
Flower Color: Blend of rich yellow, orange, red, and mahogany shades.
Culinary Uses: Edible petals; vibrant in mixed floral garnishes.
Notes: Open-pollinated, organic, compact annual.
Planting Tip: Sow after frost; well-drained soil; attracts pollinators.
Days to Maturity: ~60 days

🌺 Variety Overview