Photo of Tagetes erecta flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved.

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Tagetes erecta

Also Known As

  • Cempoalxochitl Marigold

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 3'-6'
  • W: 3'-6'

planting zones

  • 1-11

Tagetes erecta plant details

Tagetes erecta is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In fall and summer orange flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Tagetes erecta

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT - 6 FT - wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: orange blooms in fall and summer
Uses: cottage garden, easy-to-grow, fragrant, heirloom, long-blooming, medicinal

GROWING CONDITIONS for Tagetes erecta

USDA Zones: 1 - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A grand, ancient marigold! I’ve been growing this hardy annual since 1989 & have really enjoyed it. Collected from a remote Zapotec village in the Oaxacan Sierra, this plant grows to 3’-6’ tall & wide. Continual blooms of golden tangerine cover this plant from mid-Summer till frost & get to be 1.5-2” wide. Also, the foliage has a clean-sweet aroma. Used in folk medicine & village ceremonies celebrating life & ancestors. Combines well with Tithonia rotundifolia ‘The Torch’, Larkspur ‘Chorus Violet’, Anchusa azurea, & Delphinium ‘Bellamosum’.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Tagetes erecta plant

How to Grow Tagetes erecta

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • orange
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Tagetes for your garden

aka Tagetes lemonii, Mexican Marigold

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 6'-8'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Tagetes lemmonii flower by J.G. in SF
View Plant

More Options

aka Ginas Himalayan Marigold

Plant Type

Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-11

Size

Height: 4'-5'

Width: 4'

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Tagetes erecta 'Gina's Himalayan' form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

aka Villandry Marigold

Plant Type

Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-11

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 2'

  • sun
  • regular - low
Photo of Tagetes 'Villandry' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

aka Day of the Dead Orange Cempazuchitl, Day of the Dead Orange Marigold

Plant Type

Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-11

Size

Height: 3'

Width: 3'

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Tagetes 'Day of the Dead Orange' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

aka Tagetes 'Day of the Dead Golden Yellow', Day of the Dead Golden Yellow Cempazuchitl, Day of the Dead Golden Yellow Marigold

Plant Type

Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-12

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Tagetes erecta 'Day of the Dead Golden Yellow' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

+29 more Tagetes
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