Tagetes sp. (Marigold)
Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia
Botanical name: Tagetes sp.
Common name: Marigold
Family: Asteraceae
Origin: Mexico, South America
Tagetes sp. is a genus of annual and perennial herbs native to the Americas, recognized for their aromatic foliage and bright composite flower heads in yellow, orange, and red shades.
What defines the genus Tagetes?
Species within Tagetes form upright, branching plants with finely divided leaves and strong scent, adapting well to warm seasons and open sunny sites. They show broad variation in size, from compact bedding forms to taller ornamental types, and are widely used for borders, pollinator gardens, and seasonal displays.
They prefer full sun, well drained soil, and regular moisture without waterlogging. Flowering is abundant in warm weather with consistent deadheading. Although heat tolerant, they are sensitive to frost and should be treated as warm season annuals in most climates. Suitable for USDA Zones 9-11 as tender perennials and commonly grown as annuals elsewhere.
