Marigold

Tagetes
A genus of mostly summer annuals that are popular for pest and disease resistance. Marigolds do not like waterlogged swampy soils. They are resistant to heat and drought, deer and wind. Marigolds in gardens are great for reducing soil nematode populations. Due to their soil nematode reducing properties, they are great for using in crop rotations where nematodes stay reduced for 3 years and often up to 85%.
Hardy zone 4 to 10 as summer annual, in full sun on fertile, well drainer soil.

Tagetes erecta
An annual, typically reaching about 2 to 3 ( some to 4.5 x 3 ) feet in height.

* photo of unknown internet source

* photos taken on July 31 2011 in Hyde Park, NY













* photo taken on Aug 23 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Sep 15 2013 in Howard Co., MD

* photos taken on Aug 31 2015 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Aug 14 2015 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Aug 9 2018 in Ellicott City, MD

* photos taken on Oct 5 2020 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on July 4 2022 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Aug 14 2024 @ Coventry Gardens, Windsor, ON

'Vanilla Improved'
Reaches up to 1.8 x 1.9 feet, with white flowers.

Tagetes lemmonii
A fast growing, upright, shrubby, semi-evergreen perennial, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 10 feet.
The pinnately-compound leaves, up to 4 inches long are aromatic. The foliage is deep green.
The yellow flowers, up to 1 inch wide, are borne mostly during winter and spring in southern California; all year in tropical climates.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 ( evergreen to 25 F ) in full sun to partial shade on sandy, well drained soil.

Tagetes lucida
A fast growing, shrubby perennial, reaching up to 4 x 4 ( rarely over 3 x 3 ) feet.
The aromatic, narrow, toothed foliage is glossy mid-green.
The yellow flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and bees.
Full sun. Seed collected in Oregon has proven hardy to 23 F, possibly colder. It is very heat and drought tolerant. Deer resistant. The use of this plant depresses the nervous system, also causing hullucinations. The plant also contains the compound coumarin which is an anticoagulant that helps inhibit the formation of blood clots. However it is safe to use in small quantities as a cooking herb and makes a great substitute for french tarragon.

Tagetes minuata ( African Marigold )
A surprisingly large plant, reaching up to 12 feet in height. The African Marigold is valued for more than just an ornamental garden plant. It is also highly effective in controlling soil nematodes, killing nematodes as far as 3 feet from the parent plant. African Marigold can be plants as a cover crop over a large area to clear the soil of nematodes for future plants.
African Marigold may produce alot of biomass and makes an excellent compost.

Tagetes patula ( French Marigold )
An annual, reaching up to 1.4 x 2 feet
The yellow to deep orange flowers appear all summer long.

* photos taken on July 31 2011 in Hyde Park, NY



* photo taken on Sep 15 2013 in Howard Co., MD

* photos taken on Sep 4 2016 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Nov 14 2016 in Howard Co., MD

* photo taken on Oct 3 2019 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Sep 9 2023 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Oct 22 2024 in Columbia, MD

'Bonanza Orange'
Vigorous, reaching up to 1.4 x 2.5 feet, with bright orange flowers.

'Bonanza Yellow'
Vigorous, reaching up to 1.4 x 2.5 feet, with bright yellow flowers.

RELATED PLANTS

Calendula officinalis
Vigorous, reaching up to 2.2 x 2.2 feet
The bright yellow flowers are borne all summer long