Licorice marigold
Tagetes micrantha

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Tagetes micrantha is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Disturbed sites, in open woodlands with scattered pines and junipers. Low areas and where puddles persist along the road.

Southern N. America - Mexico. An occasional casual in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is used as a remedy for stomach complaints, colds and fevers.

Other

Rating: 3

Many members of this genus are widely used in companion planting schemes. Secretions from the roots of growing plants have an insecticidal effect on the soil, effective against nematodes and to some extent against keeled slugs. These secretions are produced about 3 - 4 months after sowing. These root secretions also have a herbicidal effect, inhibiting the growth of certain plants growing nearby. It has been found effective against perennial weeds such as Ranunculus ficaria (Celandine), Aegopodium podagraria Ground elder), Glechoma hederacea (Ground ivy), Agropyron repens (Couch grass) and Convolvulus arvensis (Field bindweed). An essential oil distilled from the leaves and flowering stems, harvested when the plant is forming seeds, is used as an insect repellent. It is also used in perfumery. Dried plants can be hung indoors as an insect repellent. Dynamic accumulator.

Companion: Companion planting is the careful placement of plants (especially vegetables and herbs) which have been shown to have beneficial effects on one another.

Dynamic accumulator: Plants that gather minerals or nutrients from the soil and store them in a more bioavailable form and in high concentration in their tissues. Used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained moderately fertile soil in a sunny position. Plants are not very resistant to frosts and need to be grown as half hardy annuals. Removing dead flowers before the seed is formed will extend the flowering season. Most members of this genus are very good companion plants, see 'Other Uses' below for more details. Plants are prone to slugs, snails and botrytis.

Propagating it: Seed - sow March 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.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 7-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

We have no information on this species, though other members of the genus have an irritant sap that can cause dermatitis in sensitive people.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Tagetes fragrantissima Sessé & Moc.