African Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
First, you should be aware that there are 2 marigold species:
- Tagetes erecta is the African marigold. It is tall (60 cm) with big flowers (up to 10 cm across) and adapted for hot conditions.
- Tagetes patula is the French marigold. It is small (maybe 20 cm) with small flowers and adapted to Temperate conditions. It produces weedy little plants in our region, with pathetic little flowers (if any actually appear) and is likely to die in the sun.
African marigold have strong tall stems and produce roots from the stem. Thus, each time you repot, you should bury the plant 1-2 cm below the soil level. This not only produces a bigger root system, but the soil compacted around the stem helps to support the plant. Even then, the older plant will be very top-heavy and is likely to be blown over by gusts of wind. You will end up staking many of the plants (some stakes can be seen in the photo above).
African marigolds have double flowers forming a ball of petals, while French marigolds may be single (having a single disc of petals). The flowers are usually yellow/ gold/ orange. Both marigolds are susceptible to mealybugs. Marigolds are very strongly scented and it is possible to distinguish between African and French marigolds by their scent. Some people actually like the smell of marigold, while others (myself included) cannot stand it. There is apparently a genetic basis to this preference. |