About
This tender, bushy perennial, often grown as an annual, up to 75cm high. Clusters of small, golden-yellow flowers are borne in late summer and autumn. Its aromatic, glossy green, linear leaves, to 7.5cm long, are used as a tarragon substitute in Mexican cooking.
About the genus
Tagetes can be annuals or perennials of upright growth, with strongly aromatic pinnately divided leaves and showy daisy-like, single or double flower-heads in summer and autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toS America
FragranceFoliage
ToxicityLeaves may cause skin irritation. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a well-drained soil in full sun; protect from frost if grown as a perennial
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free