Common Name: Lemon Marigold

General Information

Tagetes tenuifolia is an annual plant growing up to 80cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for its edible leaves. It can be grown as a companion plant in gardens and is often grown as an ornamental in gardens around the world[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern N. America - Mexico, south through Central America to northwestern S. America

Habitat

Grows in the pine-oak forest zone[]. A garden escape in the USA where it grows along the sides of roads[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.80 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Tagetes tenuifolia grows mainly in a subtropical climate. It is not very cold tolerant but has escaped from cultivation and become naturalized in much of Europe.
Requires a well-drained moderately fertile soil in a sunny position[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils and in sandy soils[].
There are some named forms[].
The bruised foliage is perhaps more refreshingly aromatic than any other plant[]. The lemon verbena-like smell remaining on the fingers for an hour or more after touching the plant[].
Removing dead flowers before the seed is formed will extend the flowering season[].
Plants are prone to slugs, snails and botrytis[].
Grows well with tomatoes[].

Edible Uses

The flowers of some cultivars have a pleasant citrus-like flavour and can be used sparingly as a flavouring in salads, sandwiches, wines etc or used as a garnish[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Secretions from the roots of growing plants have an insecticidal effect on the soil, effective against nematodes and to some extent against keeled slugs, they also have an effect against some persistent weeds such as couch grass[[, , ]. The plant also has an effect on asparagus beetle and bean weevils. These secretions are produced about 3 - 4 months after sowing.

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers[].

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts.