African marigold
Tagetes erecta · Asteraceae
📷 Reinhold Möller Ermell · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around african marigold and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Marigold, African Marigold
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Type
- Annual herbaceous plant
- Adult height
- 40 to 120 cm depending on varieties
- Flowering
- June to October
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost-sensitive (annual in temperate climates)
- Origin
- Mexico
Expert tips
The key tip
La tagète rose d'Inde demande un arrosage modéré mais régulier : elle pourrit rapidement en sol gorgé d'eau, donc laisse le substrat sécher légèrement entre deux apports. Place-la en plein soleil (au moins 6-8 heures) pour maximiser la floraison et limiter les maladies fongiques.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers arrosent trop souvent et trop abondamment, ce qui provoque des pourritures racinaires et des attaques de mildiou : elle meurt d'excès d'eau bien plus souvent que de sécheresse.
The pro's trick
Pince les tiges principales quand la plante fait 10-15 cm de hauteur pour forcer la ramification et multiplier les fleurs par trois. Fais-le une seule fois au début de la saison, pas en continu.
Seasonal watch
En été humide, surveille l'oïdium et le mildiou : ces champignons adorent la chaleur moite. À la première trace de poudre blanche ou de taches, aère mieux et réduis les arrosages du feuillage. En automne, arrête d'arroser progressivement pour préparer le déclin naturel de la plante.
Care
Watering
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. During periods of intense heat, watering every two days may be necessary. Reduce watering in autumn to encourage late flowering.
Exposure
Marigolds love full sun and require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The more light they receive, the more abundant and colorful their flowering will be.
Pruning and pinching
Pinch young plants at about 15 cm height to encourage bushy branching. Regularly remove faded flowers to stimulate the production of new blooms throughout the season.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer every three to four weeks during growth and flowering periods. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Soil
Rich, well-draining potting soil is ideal. Marigolds also tolerate ordinary garden soil, even chalky soil, provided it is not too heavy or waterlogged.
Diseases and pests
Watch for red spider mites during dry, hot periods. Powdery mildew can affect foliage in humid conditions; ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Snails and slugs may nibble on young leaves.
Did you know?
The African Marigold, although native to Mexico, has been highly honored in India where it holds an important place in religious traditions and ceremonies. Its distinctive fragrance led it to be used historically as a natural repellent against certain garden pests, a practice still recommended in organic gardening today.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- SunflowerHelianthus annuus
- YarrowAchillea millefolium
- Ox-eye daisyLeucanthemum vulgare
- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.