Tagetes erecta, whose common name is African marigold, is an easy-to-grow annual flower that requires little maintenance. Marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are one of the most beautiful and dense flowers that range from pale yellow to deep orange to red. Tagetes erecta makes a colourful addition to pots, baskets and garden borders. The cheerful and vibrant bloom can grow in pots as well and is considered auspicious as per Vaastu and Feng Shui as it symbolises positivity and prosperity.
Quick facts
| Botanical Name | Tagetes erecta |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Common Name | African marigold, Mexican marigold, Aztec marigold, American marigold, Genda (Hindi) |
| Plant Type | Annual |
| Plant Size | 1-4 ft. tall |
| Sunlight | Full Sunlight |
| Plant Growth | Shrub |
| Native | Mexico and Central America |
| Soil Type | Moist and well-drained soil |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Flower Colour | Orange, yellow, creamy white |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Landscape | Small gardens, flowerbed/border, baskets, containers and window boxes |
| Uses | Ornamental, poultry and medicinal |
Types of Tagetes Erecta
There are three main types of marigolds: French, African and Signet. Tagetes erecta is popularly known as the African marigold but it did not originate in Africa. They are called African marigolds because they were first imported to Europe through a trade route that passed through northwest Africa. Tagetes erecta are the biggest of the marigolds and can reach 3-4 feet.
French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are usually between 6-12 inches tall. There have both single and double flower varieties. The double flower variety blooms up to 2 inches wide.
Signet marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia) are the smallest, usually 6 inches or less. The flowers have a single row of petals and are only 1 inch wide. They are edible and are used in salads.
Varieties
- Tagetes erecta (African marigold)
- Giant Double African Orange
- Giant Double African Yellow
- Crackerjack
- Climax
- Doubloon
- Golden Age
- Chrysanthemum Charm
- Crown of Gold
- Spun Gold
- Tagetes patula (French marigold)
- Butterscotch Red Brocade
- Rusty Red
- Valencia
- Succana
- Tagetes tenuifolia
- Ursula
- Golden Gem
- Lulu
- Pumila
Growing Tagetes Erecta: Tips and tricks
Sunlight
A sunny location is ideal for the growth of Tagetes erecta. It needs six hours of direct sunlight. Adequate sunlight can reduce pests and diseases and significantly improve flower quality.
Soil
Tagetes erecta grows best in a well-drained, loamy soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet.
Water
During planting, ensure regular watering. Be careful not to let the soil stay dry for extended periods. Tagetes erecta has well-developed root systems. It is tolerant of drought and does not need to be watered frequently. However, for pots and hanging baskets, daily watering is needed. Be careful not to overwater.
To promote continuous flowering, remove dried blooms by deadheading as often as possible.
Pests
Most pests are not attracted to marigolds but spiders and mites are a problem in dry, dusty conditions. An unhealthy plant may have aphids. Proper care and regular application of insecticidal soap spray should take care of the pests.
Fertiliser
Tagetes erecta does not require a lot of fertilizer, especially if they are growing in organic soil. Too much fertilizer will cause them to produce more foliage instead of blossoms. If the soil lacks nutrients, use the flower fertilizer in little quantities. This will keep a steady but manageable supply of nutrients to power the blooms. Liquid fertilizers help the nutrients to be quickly absorbed. Compost tea and worm casting tea will also help the flowers.
Tagetes erecta: Significance in Vastu and Feng Shui
Tagetes erecta or Genda flower is considered sacred to the Aztecs who used it for medicine and offered it to the Sun God. In Mexico, marigolds have been grown for centuries to adorn graves and celebrate the Day of the Dead. Named ‘Mary’s Gold’, these flowers of the Virgin Mary were used to beautify church altars. Tagetes, derived from Tages, is an Etruscan deity, the grandson of Jupiter, who sprang from the ploughed earth.
Tagetes erecta, as per Feng Shui, symbolises wealth and success. It attracts good luck. The cheerful hue and the colour of the sun are synonymous with hope and happiness. According to Vaastu, Tagetes erecta flowers signify good fortune and optimism. It is associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Tagetes erecta are considered auspicious when placed at the main door as torans during festivals or weddings. North or east direction is the best to keep marigold plants in your home.
Also read about the vastu significance of the Arrowhead plant
How to grow Tagetes Erecta from seed?
Tagetes erecta or Genda flower are easy to grow from seed. Deadhead the flowers when they wilt, separate the seeds and sow them for the next year’s crop. Proper spacing between the plants is required for higher flower yield.
How to grow Tagetes Erecta from a cutting?
Cut a tender shoot, about 8-14 cm long, from the plant. Remove the lower leaves, insert the shoot in the soil, pour sufficient water and partially shade it. It will take root in two weeks.
Benefits of Tagetes Erecta
Marigold or Genda flower, the botanical name of which is Tagetes erecta is an ideal flower for the border in a garden, hanging basket or potted house plant. Being hardy, you can place them in soils where other plants battle to grow roots. Vegetables benefit from being planted close to Tagetes erecta. They are effective in repelling pests, such as aphids and cabbage moths. In foods and beverages, they are used as a flavour component. Its oil is used as a fragrance in perfumes. The flowers of the plant are used as mosquito repellent.
Medicinal properties of Tagetes Erecta
It is also used to treat cough, colic and constipation. Tagetes or marigold plant has ingredients that aid in calming the nerves and reducing swelling/ inflammation, spasms, and also blood pressure. The plant leaves are directly applied to the skin and used in treating eczema, sores and ulcers.
Marigold lutein has been used as a colourant for human food and an additive in poultry feed to improve the pigmentation of the bird’s fat, skin and egg yolk.
Tagetes Erecta: A colourful addition to your garden
Selective focus of Tagetes Erecta. It is a species of the genus Tagetes.
The beautiful of Marigolds flower in countryside Thailand.
Selective focus of Tagetes Erecta.
Young Tagetes Erecta plant.
FAQs
What is Tagetes erecta good for?
Tagetes erecta is used for digestive tract problems, including gas, stomach pain, colic and intestinal worms. It is also used for coughs, colds, fluid retention and sore eyes. It has antioxidant properties and is used for skin treatment for sunburn and acne.
Is Tagetes erecta annual or perennial?
Tagetes erecta, or African Marigold, is a flowering, herbaceous annual plant that is known for its large flowerheads.
Do Tagetes erecta (marigold) keep mosquitoes away?
Tagetes erecta’s fragrance repels mosquitoes and other garden pests, including squash bugs and tomato worms. Marigolds contain a natural compound used in many insect repellents.
What is the difference between Tagetes erecta (African marigold) and Tagetes patula (French marigold)?
The petals of French marigold flowers are more ruffled than the petals of African marigolds. Patula is available in a variety of shades, while erecta flowers are yellow to orange.
What month do marigolds bloom?
The flowering season for marigold flowers is between May to September.
Are marigolds toxic to dogs?
Marigolds can be mildly toxic to pets when consumed. When it comes in contact the pet’s skin and fur, it can cause skin irritation.
What is Tagetes erecta used for in medicine?
Tagetes plant is used for treating digestive tract problems.
What is the special feature of Tagetes erecta?
Tagetes erecta plant leaves and flowers emit fragrance when crushed. The plant also has medicinal properties and helps cure inflammation of the skin.
What is the local name of marigolds?
Some common names of Marigold are Gols bloom, Garden Marigold, Gold bloom, Caltha, Ganda, Holligold, Marybud and Pot Marigold. In India, marigold is known as gendha.
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