African Marigold — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Tagetes erecta |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 5–7 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 21.1–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 50–80 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 45.7–121.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 2–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun; sow no earlier than 6 weeks before last frost, as large-seeded transplants tend to become rootbound quickly. Tagetes erecta is the tall, large-flowered marigold with enormous double pompom flower heads 3–4 inches across in brilliant yellow, orange, and cream — sacred to the goddess Xochiquetzal in Aztec culture and still used extensively in Mexican Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) festivals, where millions of flowers are harvested annually. The petals are edible and have a mild, spicy, slightly citrusy flavor; dried petals are used to color butter, cheese, and poultry feed (providing the beta-carotene that gives egg yolks their golden color in commercial farming). It is the most important commercial cut marigold species; choose large transplant sizes in spring as they establish quickly.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0