Aztec Marigold

(Tagetes erecta)

Aztec Marigold (Tagetes erecta)

Forest and Kim Starr

CC BY 2.0

Image By: Forest and Kim Starr

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Tagetes erecta, commonly known as Aztec Marigold, is an annual herb with a native habitat that includes open woodlands and scrub areas in Mexico and Central America. It can grow to heights of 20 to 90 cm (7.9 to 35.4 in). The Aztecs valued this plant for its medicinal properties and used it in ceremonial and decorative contexts. The Aztec Marigold is notable for its vibrant and showy flowers, which range in color from bright yellow to deep orange and red. These flowers are borne in clusters or as solitary blooms on long peduncles up to 15 cm, and they are particularly eye-catching due to their large, layered appearance. The flowering season extends throughout the summer and into the fall, providing a long-lasting display of color.

Aztec Marigold is popular in cultivation for its striking flowers and ease of maintenance. It is often used in ornamental plantings, borders, and as a staple in the cut-flower industry. The plant thrives in full sun and requires moderate watering, adapting well to a variety of soil types with different drainage capabilities. It is also known for its ability to repel nematodes in the soil, making it a beneficial companion plant in gardens. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot if overwatered or if airflow is poor. Gardeners should be mindful of its potential to self-seed and spread if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type:
Height: 1-4 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Cream, Orange, Red, Yellow
Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands and scrub areas in Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Mexican Marigold , African Marigold , Cempazúchitl , Cempasúchil , French Marigold , Saffron Marigold , Big Marigold , Marigold , American Marigold , Studentenblume

Scientific Names: Tagetes erecta , Tagetes patula , Tagetes heterocarpha , Tagetes excelsa , Tagetes erecta var. erecta , Tagetes corymbosa , Tagetes erecta f. erecta , Tagetes erecta subsp. erecta , Tagetes ernestii , Tagetes major

GBIF Accepted Name: Tagetes erecta L.