French Marigold
Tagetes patula
Mexican Marigold
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This low-growing, low maintenance plant produces a profusion of flowers in a summer and autumn garden. Red, orange and yellow blooms, and blends thereof create a stunning display when mass planted. The pungent fragrance repels harmful insects and is successfully used as a companion plant in a vegetable garden. The fragrance is more herbal than floral.
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Planning
Difficulty
Easy
Flowering time
Summer, Autumn, Spring
Fruiting time
Autumn
Harvesting
Collect the marigold flower heads. Dry them out and gently remove the seeds. Store dry until the following season.
Propagation
Seed
Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost. Plants will self-seed from season to season. Replant seedlings where they are needed.
Special features
Pot plant
Is a very successful pot plant.
Drought resistant
Can be used in a water-wise garden
Attracts useful insects
Attracts bees and butterflies
Repels harmful insects
Kills nematodes in soil, repels whitefly
Attractive flowers
Special features
Origin
America, Mexico and Guatemala
Natural climate
Temperate
Environment
Light
Full Sun
Soil moisture
Moist
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil PH preference
Neutral
Frost hardiness
Tender
Uses
Medicinal
Used as a digestive, diuretic and a sedative.
Edible
The flowers are edible and can be used in salads.
Personality
Family
Asteraceae
Flower colour
Yellow, Red, Orange
Scent
Strong
Related Problems
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Knowledge and advice
Search our ever-growing knowledge base to find plants and information. Find out about pests and diseases you should be keeping an eye out for. Watch How to videos or follow step by step guides for tasks in the garden.
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