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Mexican marigold
Also known as: Stinking roger, Southern marigold, Wild marigold, Khaki bush
Mexican marigold (Tagetes minuta) has become naturalized around the world ever since Spanish colonization. It needs full sun to flourish, and planting it around your garden will resist deer, yet attract butterflies and hummingbirds for you. People with sensitive skin should avoid touching it as its irritant sap can cause contact dermatitis.
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Annual, Biennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Summer, Fall
Bloom Time
Winter
Harvest Time
60 cm to 2 m
Plant Height
60 cm
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
2.5 cm
Flower Size
Yellow, White
Flower Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Semi-evergreen
Leaf type
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Mexican marigold

Distribution of Mexican marigold

Distribution Map
Mexican marigold originally hails from regions in South America but has since found a foothold across various continents, including Africa, Asia, and Europe. While mexican marigold is established in many areas outside its native range, it is sometimes thought to be competitive in certain ecosystems, notably in South America. In parts of Africa and Oceania, mexican marigold may have an impact on local plant communities. Its presence spans temperate to tropical climates, reflecting its adaptability.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Waste places, cultivated ground
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Toxicity

Mexican marigold can cause dermatitis through skin contact and gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) if ingested. These symptoms are generally not life-threatening, but caution is advised for gardeners and those handling the plant. Avoid contact and ingestion to prevent adverse effects.
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RELATED: Toxicity of Mexican marigold

Weed Control

Mexican marigold originates from South America, specifically parts of Argentina and Chile. This plant is considered a weed primarily due to its aggressive growth habit, prolific reproduction, and pervasive spread. Visibly, mexican marigold is large and robust, suppressing other plant growth due to the release of allelopathic chemicals, which can compromise their growth and development. Its harmfulness extends to its ability to dominate landscapes, transforming diverse habitats into single-specie areas that can potentially displace native flora, disrupt biological diversity, and alter ecosystem functions. Mexican marigold generally spreads by seeds, which are easily disseminated by the wind, water, animals, or human activities. These seeds require minimal resources to germinate and can lie dormant in the soil for several years, enhancing mexican marigold's capacity to invade new territories.
How to Control It
The best season for removal of mexican marigold is during spring to early summer, before the plant gets to its flowering stage. Here are few methods of removal or control:
  1. Hand pulling: A simple, old-fashioned way to weed out mexican marigold. It's important to grasp the plant at its base and pull slowly to remove roots completely. It's easiest when the soil is moist.
  2. Hoeing: This method disrupts the growth of mexican marigold. Slide the hoe blade just below the soil surface to sever the plants from their roots. Always make sure to collect and dispose of the uprooted plants.
  3. Use a weed torch: Scorch young mexican marigold plants with a weed torch. Be careful to not start fires and not to harm beneficial insects or other plants.
  4. Mulching: Lay a layer of mulch (for example straw or wood chips) around your plants. This blocks sunlight from reaching mexican marigold and suppresses its growth.
  5. Planting competitive plants: Planting densely with plants that will compete with mexican marigold for resources can help control its spread.
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Care Guide for Mexican marigold

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Mexican marigold originates from South America and prefers semi-arid, dry soil conditions. It exhibits moderate drought tolerance, requiring weekly watering without soil saturation. Mulching is beneficial for retaining moisture in gardens during hot seasons, reducing the frequency of watering.
Fertilize: Fertilize mexican marigold every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growth season for optimal growth and flowering. Use high nitrogen early on for leaf production, but apply smaller amounts to prevent harm. Water mexican marigold before applying fertilizer and distribute evenly around the base.
Pruning: Mexican marigold blooms all summer long, and regular pruning of withered flowers is essential to maintain its vibrant state.
Propagation: Propagation of mexican marigold is achieved through seeds, which should be lightly buried and kept moist until germination in 5 to 14 days. The seeds germinate well in warm conditions, and once seedlings have their first true leaves, they can be transplanted to their final spaced location.
Repotting: When seedlings of mexican marigold develop 2-3 leaves, they are ready for transplantation into pots, allowing better growth conditions and space for further development.
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