Overview
Tagetes erecta 'Key Lime' is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Tagetes, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Tagetes erecta 'Key Lime' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, low maintenance, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Tagetes erecta, the Aztec marigold, Mexican marigold, big marigold, cempaxochitl or cempasúchil, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Tagetes native to Mexico and Central America. Despite being native to the Americas, it is often called the African marigold.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tagetes
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Tagetes erecta 'Key Lime' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Bedding
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Low Maintenance, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tagetes erecta 'Key Lime'
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Tagetes erecta 'Key Lime'?
Tagetes erecta 'Key Lime' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Tagetes erecta 'Key Lime' need?
Tagetes erecta 'Key Lime' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Tagetes erecta 'Key Lime' hardy in the UK?
Tagetes erecta 'Key Lime' has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Tagetes erecta 'Key Lime'?
Seed.
More in the Tagetes genus
- Tagetesmarigold
- Tagetes elliptica
- Tagetes erecta 'Bali Yellow' (Bali Series)
- Tagetes erecta 'Bindi'
- Tagetes erecta 'Cheerleader Orange' (Cheerleader Series)
- Tagetes erecta 'Discovery Yellow' (Discovery Series)
- Tagetes erecta 'Doubloon' (Gold Coins Series)
- Tagetes erecta 'Garuda Deep Gold' (Garuda Series)