Annual · Asteraceae family
African Marigold
Tagetes erecta
In short a 10-second read
African Marigold (annual) grows to 0.15–1.2 m tall and 0.3–0.6 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in dry to average soil. It flowers in June–October; the flowers are yellow, orange or white.
× spread 0.3–0.6 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in dry to average soil.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, sandy, clay
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June–October · yellow, orange or white
Pruning
pinch out the tips (May–June); deadhead spent flowers (June–September)
Planting
sow indoors: March–April; transplant outdoors: May
Winter protection
does not overwinter
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does African Marigold flower?
In June–October; the flowers are yellow, orange or white.
Does African Marigold tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does African Marigold need?
At maturity 0.3–0.6 m wide and 0.15–1.2 m tall; recommended spacing 30 cm.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 22 expert sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (22)
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Tagetes erecta
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Tagetes erecta
- GBIF Vernacular Names API — Tagetes erecta
- Wikidata (CC0) — Tagetes erecta
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Tagetes erecta
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — tagetes erecta
- Pladias — Databáza českej flóry a vegetácie
- EPPO Global Database — Tagetes erecta
- RHS - Tagetes erecta
- RHS - How to grow annuals and biennials
- North Shore Plant Club (Antigua Primrose African Marigold)
- Winnetka Plant Club / Valley View Farms
- Garden Center Marketing
- Ball Seed Plant Info
- Fernwood Garden Center (Inca Yellow Marigold)
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EASIN, EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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