WSU Clark County Extension
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American Marigolds

Scientific name: Tagetes erecta
Taxonomy
Family:Asteraceae
Type:Annuals and Biennials
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:1
Plant Characteristics
Height:4 ft
Width:2 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:May to October
Bloom Color:Yellow
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description American marigolds (also referred to as African marigolds) are a common plant grown extensively across North America. In the Pacific Northwest they perform well during the mild summers, and will bloom well into the fall before they are killed by the first frost.

  Morphology:
American marigolds come in wide array of colors, including bright yellow, orange, mahogany, bronze, creamy white, and bicolor. Flowers are typically double solitary and range from 2” -6” in diameter. Depending upon the hybrid selected, plants can range from 1’-4’ tall. Leaves are opposite and odd-pinnately compound with dentate edges.

  Adaptation:
Marigolds should be planted in full sun, in moist, well drained soils. Besides being grown extensively in beds and borders, they also adapt well to containers.

  Pests:
Botrytis grey mold can be a problem if the plants are in a shaded location where the foliage does not dry out. Pick off decayed flowers, as well as spent flowers, in order to keep marigolds blooming all summer long.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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