Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
African marigold
Also known as: Flower of the dead, Mexican marigold
African marigold is a common garden plant with bright orange or red flowers. Its use in decorative and ceremonial gardens dates back to ancient Aztec civilizations. Not only does african marigold add bright colors, but it is also known to repel insects, rabbits, and deer thanks to its toxic latex.
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Annual, Perennial, Biennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Summer, Fall
Bloom Time
Fall
Harvest Time
20 cm to 1.5 m
Plant Height
10 cm to 60 cm
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
5 cm to 10 cm
Flower Size
Black
Fruit Color
Yellow, Orange, White, Gold, Red, Burgundy
Flower Color
Green, White, Yellow, Orange
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Summer, Fall
Growth Season
Moderate
Growth Rate

Images of African marigold

Distribution of African marigold

Distribution Map
African marigold is native to Mexico and Guatemala, where it grows in many different types of forests including at altitude. It has been introduced both as an ornamental and as a commercial crop all over North and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania. It is considered invasive in Spain, China, New Zealand and some Pacific islands.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
Discover plant distribution and habitat
Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.
Download the App for Free
Habitat
Pine-oak forest zone, garden
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Environmental Protection Value
It can purify air and has strong resistance to and absorption of hydrogen fluoride, sulfur dioxide and other gases.
Garden Use
African marigold is a herbaceous annual commonly found in gardens. It is prized for its large, attractive, orange and bronze-colored blooms in a unique pom-pom form. Its height and shape make it suitable for edging or bedding. African marigold is good for Pollinator gardens. Suggested companion plants include blue Cardinal Flowers or Purple Fountain Grass to make a strong color contrast.
Symbolism
Spirituality, honoring the dead, health, love, grief, mourning
Interesting Facts
About 500 years ago, a Spanish officer went to Mexico and stumbled across a marigold flower in the countryside. He thought they were cute, so he took the seeds back to Europe for cultivation. It was very popular for its beautiful golden flowers, and it was used for the worship of the Virgin Mary.
Name Story
Aztec marigold: This plant was treated as a sacred being by the Aztec people and it was used to decorate temples. Sadly, it also witnessed the history of the Aztec people being slaughtered. Hence, it was called Aztec marigold in memory of the innocent Aztec people that were killed.
Marigold: Mexicans use it to decorate the graves of their deceased loved ones, so it's also called the flower of the dead.
Get quick plant knowledge with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.
Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of African marigold, including the following common varieties :

Quickly Identify African marigold

1
Large, vibrant flowerheads up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in warm colors.
2
Pinnately lobed, dark green aromatic leaves with toothed outline.
3
Cylindrical to oval stem with resin channels emitting distinct aroma.
4
Tall plant reaching 10 to 18 inches (25 to 46 cm) requiring staking for support.
5
Slender flower heads with pompon-like cluster shape, blooming in various colors.
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to identify African marigold

Care Guide for African marigold

Twice per week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: African marigold thrives in tropical climates, requiring regular moisture and high humidity. Watering twice a week mimics its natural environment, crucial for vibrant blooms. Maintaining evenly moist soil during the growing season supports its lush growth and colorful display while preventing waterlogging.
Fertilize: To enhance flowering in african marigold, apply high phosphorus fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Water african marigold post-application and avoid leaf contact to prevent burn. Reduce fertilizer frequency in dormant season and adjust quantities based on size and soil fertility.
Pruning: African marigold boasts vibrant blooms and benefits from timely pruning in early to late spring. Cutting back dead stems encourages bushier growth, while pinching young plants promotes compactness. Removing faded blooms redirects energy, reduces disease risk, and enhances airflow, using sterilized tools for optimal results.
Propagation: African marigold is grown for vibrant flowers. Propagation is best achieved through cuttings from healthy plants, using rooting hormone in a well-draining medium. Maintain moisture and warmth for root growth, while monitoring for pests and diseases during the early stages.
Repotting: Transplant seedlings of african marigold into pots when they develop 2-3 leaves for optimal growth. Ensuring proper pot size and soil conditions will support their healthy development.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to Grow and Care for African marigold
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app