Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Tagetes erecta or Mexican marigold

The genus Tagetes, family Asteraceae, includes about 50 species of perennial and annual herbaceous plants native to Mexico, Central and South America. Some species are: Tagetes erecta, Tagetes patula, Tagetes lucida, Tagetes tenuifolia, Tagetes lucida.

Common names: Mexican marigold, African marigold, Aztec marigold. This species is native to Mexico.

They are annual herbaceous plants with branched stems that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The leaves are odd-pinnate and have green oblong-lanceolate leaflets with dentate margins. Foliage gives off an unpleasant odor if squeezed. The attractive yellow or orange flowers appear in curly pompoms. They bloom in summer and fall.

This easy-to-grow plant is used as annuals on borders, in beds and in pots for balconies, terraces and patios. Mexican marigold is also used as a cut flower.

Tagetes erecta needs full sun exposure and a warm climate. It does not resist frost.

Aztec marigold does well in normal garden soil that contains plenty of organic matter.

Water regularly so that the substrate is always damp (never flood). Mexican marigold does not resist drought.

Fertilize with compost at the time of sowing or planting and with mineral fertilizer every 20 days in spring.

Prune the flowers to favor the appearance of more flowers. After flowering the plants are uprooted.

Tagetes erecta is a resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases.

Aztec marigold is propagated from seeds sown in a glassed nursery in late winter or spring in the final location.

Images of the plant Tagetes erecta or Mexican marigold