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Mexican Marigold

Tagetes erecta

Also listed as Tagetes major, Tagetes elongata

Also known as Marigold, Aztec Marigold, American Marigold

herbaceous☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate water❄ Hardy: Zone 3a – Zone 11b

Climate Match for your location

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A vibrant annual marigold with large, densely petaled flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. It blooms prolifically in full sun and is easy to grow, making it a popular choice for borders, containers, and cutting gardens.

Why grow it

Mexican marigold produces larger flower heads than most common marigold varieties, making it better suited for cut flower production and formal garden displays. It tolerates heat and drought better than many ornamentals once established, reducing irrigation needs in appropriate climates. The prolific blooming habit provides continuous color from mid-summer through frost with minimal deadheading compared to some alternatives.

Watch out for

Flowering may decline noticeably in partial shade or during extended cloudy periods, even in regions with adequate heat. Spider mites can become problematic in dry conditions, particularly indoors or in sheltered microclimates. Self-seeding can occur readily in warm climates, so removal of spent flowers may be necessary if volunteer seedlings are unwanted.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
fast
Size
1.5–3′ tall × 1–1.5′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Asteraceae
EdibleMedicinalPollinators & beneficial insects

Native Range

Mexico

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Edible Parts

flower

Season of Interest

SummerFall

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Companion Planting