This commonly grown annual has erect branching stems that form a low bushy habit. It has divided dark green aromatic leaves and the large pompom-like orange to yellow single, semi-double and double flowers appear from late spring to late autumn.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Tagetes erecta is naturally found in North America growing in Mexico in well drained fertile moist soil and is pH adaptable. It prefers an open sunny position and requires protection from strong wind, frost and drought.

The African Marigold is grown for its profuse flowers and is mass planted for bedding displays or grown along borders in small gardens and is used as a potted colour. It is also used for companion planting in vegetable gardens and establishes in one season. It is suitable for coastal or inland regions and the flowers are used in floral arrangements. This plant is also grown in tropical settings and used in roundabout plantings. ID 203

Tagetes (ta-GAY-teez) erecta (e-REK-ta)

'Tagetes': an Etruscan god, Tages; 'erecta': having upright growth.

Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)	
(Compositae)
Sunflower Family