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Tagetes - L.

Common Name African Marigold, Aztec marigold, Big Marigold, American Marigold
Family Asteraceae or Compositae
USDA hardiness 2-11
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Grows in the pine-oak forest zone[181]. A garden escape in the USA where it grows along the sides of roads[43].
Range Southern N. America - Mexico.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Tagetes African Marigold, Aztec marigold, Big Marigold, American Marigold


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tagetes_erecta_Blanco2.404b-cropped.jpg
Tagetes African Marigold, Aztec marigold, Big Marigold, American Marigold
http://www.hear.org/starr/

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: Orange, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early fall, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Tagetes is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is frost tender. It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Tagetes major Gaertn.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

The petals of the flowers of some varieties can be eaten[183]. The fresh receptacle is eaten by children[272]. A yellow dye obtained from the flowers can be used as a saffron substitute for colouring and flavouring foods[183]. The plant is used as a condiment[177]. (This probably refers to the use of the flowers as an edible dye)

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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The whole herb is anthelmintic, aromatic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, sedative and stomachic[61, 238]. It is used internally in the treatment of indigestion, colic, severe constipation[238], coughs and dysentery[218]. Externally, it is used to treat sores, ulcers, eczema. sore eyes and rheumatism[218, 238, 257, 272]. The leaves are harvested as required for immediate use during the growing season, whilst the flowering plant can be dried and stored for later use[238]. A paste of the leavs is applied externally to treat boils, carbuncles and earaches[272]. The flowers are carminitive, diuretic and vermifuge[272]. A decoction is used to treat colds, and mumps[218]. It is applied externally to trea skin diseases, conjunctivitis and sore eyes[218, 272]. The root is laxative[272].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Foundation, Massing, Seashore, Specimen. Secretions from the roots of growing plants have an insecticidal effect on the soil, effective against nematodes and to some extent against keeled slugs. These secretions are produced about 3 - 4 months after sowing[200]. The flower petals also have nematacidal properties[218]. The growing plant is also said to repel insects and can be grown amongst crops such as potatoes and tomatoes. A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers[169, 257]. Dynamic accumulator.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a well-drained moderately fertile soil in a sunny position[200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils and in sandy soils[188]. Although not very frost resistant, it can be grown as a tender annual in Britain, sowing the seed in a greenhouse in the spring and planting out after the last expected frosts. The flowers are often sold in local markets in Nepal and used as an offering to the Gods[272]. A number of named forms have been developed for their ornamental value[183]. The cultivar 'Yellow Climax' has mild flavoured edible flowers that can be used as colourful garnishes[183]. All parts of the plant emit an unpleasant smell similar to that of stale urine when they are bruised[245]. Removing dead flowers before the seed is formed will extend the flowering season[188]. Plants are prone to attacks by slugs, snails and botrytis[188]. Special Features: North American native, Fragrant foliage, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow March in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Tagetes erectaAfrican Marigold, Aztec marigold, Big Marigold, American MarigoldAnnual1.0 2-11 MLMHNDM333
Tagetes filifoliaIrish LaceAnnual0.4 8-11  LMHNDM102
Tagetes lucidaMexican Tarragon, Sweetscented marigoldPerennial0.8 8-11  LMHNDM433
Tagetes micranthaLicorice marigoldAnnual0.3 7-9  LMHNDM013
Tagetes minutaMuster-John-HenryAnnual1.2 8-11  LMHNDM223
Tagetes patulaFrench Marigold, Dwarf French MarigoldAnnual0.5 2-11 MLMHNDM224
Tagetes tenuifoliaLemon Marigold, Striped Mexican Marigold, Signet MarigoldAnnual0.8 2-11 MLMHNDM203

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Botanical References

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