Common name: Marigold
Scientific name: Tagetes species
Uses: Decorative.Attractive flowers. Use for dye (lemon yellow; bright orange). Use in containers.
History: Marigolds are native from Arizona and New Mexico to South America and Africa.
Description: Plants have deep green aromatic feathery foliage and single to double flowers. Leaves are usually opposite, simple, or more often pinnatified or pinnate.
Plant type: Annual
Height: up to 12 inches
Width: typically less than 1 foot
Soil: moderately rich loam soil with a pH between 5 and 8
Cultivation: Transplant to 12 inches apart in late spring. Deadheading improves growth.
Companion planting: Deters eelworm when planted near potatoes, roses and tulips, tomato hornworm when planted near tomatoes, also deters beetles (Asparagus, Mexican Bean and Squash) from beans, asparagus and squash. Some sources report marigolds deter aphids.
Flowering period: Summer-frost