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Tagetes erecta

Common name: African marigold · Aztec marigold · big marigold

Tagetes erecta is a tall, fast-growing annual in the aster family, native to Mexico and Central America despite its common name "African marigold." It produces large, rounded, double flower heads in shades of yellow and orange on sturdy, upright stems with aromatic, pinnately divided foliage. It is widely grown as an ornamental bedding plant, for cut flowers, and as a companion plant in vegetable gardens. In Mexico it holds deep cultural importance as the "flor de muerto" used in Day of the Dead celebrations.

Fun facts

  • Despite being called "African marigold," it is native to Mexico; the name arose because the seeds reached Europe via North Africa.
  • Its flowers are central to Día de los Muertos in Mexico, where their scent and color are believed to guide spirits home.
  • Marigold petals are used as a natural yellow-orange dye and are fed to poultry to deepen egg yolk color.
  • The roots release compounds that can suppress root-knot nematodes in soil, which is why marigolds are popular companion plants.

Care summary

Sun Full sun; tolerates light shade
Water Moderate; water at base, drought-tolerant once established
Soil Well-drained, moderately fertile; avoid rich soil
Hardiness Zones 2–11 (grown as an annual)
Mature height About 30–100 cm (1–3.3 ft)
Pet safe Generally mildly toxic if ingested; may irritate skin
Difficulty Easy
Propagation Grown from seed: sow directly outdoors after the last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier, covering seeds lightly. Softwood cuttings also root readily in moist soil.

Make your own African marigold · Aztec marigold · big marigold profile

Common problems

    • Set beer traps near beds
    • Handpick slugs after dusk
    • Use iron phosphate bait pellets
    • Spray undersides with water
    • Keep plants evenly watered
    • Apply insecticidal soap if severe
    • Sow thinly and thin early
    • Water from below, not overhead
    • Provide good air circulation
    • Deadhead faded flowers regularly
    • Avoid wetting the flowers
    • Space plants for airflow