African Marigold
Tagetes erecta
Also called american marigold, mexican marigold
African marigold is a tender annual grown from seed in full sun, with fragrant leaves and showy flowers that attract butterflies. It also grows well in containers.
Quick facts
- Germination time
- 4–7 days
- Germination temperature
- 24–27 °C75–81 °F
- Sowing depth
- 6 mm¼ in
- Spacing between plants
- Not yet verified
- Days to maturity
- Not yet verified
- Sun
- Full sun, partial shade
Mildly toxic to people Read the safety notes
Safety for cats and dogs: not yet verified.
By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated
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01 · Overview
About african marigold
African marigold is a tender, bushy annual that comes from Mexico and Guatemala. Plants usually reach 1 to 4 feet (30 to 122 cm) tall and 1 to 2 feet (30 to 61 cm) wide. Its double flowers, 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) wide, come in yellow, orange and white and bloom from summer into autumn. The leaves and flowers both smell strongly when crushed or brushed. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and deer seldom damage the plant.
Growing details
- Start indoors
- 6–8 weeks before the last frost
- Sow outdoors
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Moderate
- Containers
- Yes
- Height
- 0.3–1.2 m1–4 ft
- Spread
- 30–61 cm1–2 ft
- Frost tolerance
- Tender (no frost)
- Soil pH
- pH 6.0–7.0
- Life cycle
- Annual
Sowing timeline
When to sow african marigold seeds
Counted from your area's average last spring frost date. Find yours from a local weather service or garden center, then count back or forward.
- Germination time
- 4–7 days
- Germination temperature
- 24–27 °C75–81 °F
- Frost tolerance
- Tender (no frost)
02 · How to grow
How to grow african marigold from seed
Start seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, then set the plants out after the last frost date. You can also sow directly outdoors once the soil is warmer than 65 °F (18 °C). Direct sowing uses a depth of about ¼ inch (6 mm). Seed usually sprouts in 4 to 7 days when the soil stays at 75 to 80 °F (24 to 27 °C). Seed is the best way to propagate this plant.
Light and soil. Choose a spot in full sun; plants appreciate some light afternoon shade but do poorly in full shade. Grow them in well-drained soil with a pH of about 6 to 7. The plant tolerates clay and dry soil, but it prefers soil that stays evenly moist.
Shaping. Pinch back young stems to encourage bushy growth.
03 · Care
Caring for african marigold
Keep the soil evenly moist without letting it become soggy. Deadhead spent flowers promptly, because the heavy flower heads can make stems snap. Regular deadheading also prolongs flowering. Tall varieties may need staking, or a site sheltered from strong wind and heavy rain. Marigolds are low feeders and do not need heavy fertilizing.
At a glance
How african marigold compares with other flowers
Worked out from the growing facts of the 79 seeds in Flowers on SeedBattle.
- African Marigold
- Each of the other flowers
- Their average
- Germination timeSprouts sooner than average
4–7 days
Average for flowers: 12 days, from 42 other seeds
- Germination temperatureWarmer than average
24–27 °C75–81 °F
Average for flowers: 21 °C70 °F, from 40 other seeds
- Sowing depthDeeper than average
6 mm¼ in
Average for flowers: 4 mm⅛ in, from 25 other seeds
- HeightAbout average
0.3–1.2 m1–4 ft
Average for flowers: 70 cm2½ ft, from 68 other seeds
04 · Problems
Common african marigold problems
Possible diseases include botrytis, leaf spot, phytophthora, powdery mildew and other rots. Powdery mildew is a known risk for this plant. Root rots in moist soil can be more damaging to African marigolds and can kill plants, so good drainage matters. Thrips, slugs and spider mites are possible pests.
05 · Safety
African Marigold safety
For people, the sap and juice can cause skin redness, burning and blisters when they touch broken skin in sunlight, and the sap or juice can also cause a rash. The flowers’ scent can irritate the nose and eyes. The listed poison parts are the flowers, roots and sap. Wear gloves when handling the plant, since the foliage may aggravate skin allergies.
African Marigold questions
How long do African marigold seeds take to germinate?
Seed usually sprouts in 4 to 7 days when the soil stays at 75 to 80 °F (24 to 27 °C).
When should I start African marigold seeds indoors?
Start them about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, then set the plants out after the last frost date.
Can I grow African marigold in a container?
Yes, the plant is suited to containers as well as borders and mass plantings. It is also listed for patio and container planting.
How tall do African marigolds grow?
Plants range from 1 to 4 feet (30 to 122 cm) tall and 1 to 2 feet (30 to 61 cm) wide.
Are African marigolds safe to handle?
Wear gloves, since the foliage may aggravate skin allergies. The sap can cause skin redness, burning and blisters in sunlight, so take care with broken skin.
Quick answers
More african marigold questions
Short answers taken from the growing facts on this page.
How deep should I sow african marigold seeds?
Sow them 6 mm¼ in deep.
How much sun does african marigold need?
African marigold grows in full sun or partial shade.
What temperature do african marigold seeds need to sprout?
African marigold seeds germinate at 24–27 °C75–81 °F.
Can african marigold survive frost?
No. African marigold is tender, so it can't take frost.
Is african marigold an annual or a perennial?
African marigold is an annual.
What soil pH does african marigold need?
Aim for soil at pH 6.0–7.0.
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