Muster-John-Henry
Tagetes minuta

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Tagetes minuta is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf from April to November, in flower in October, and the seeds ripen in November. 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay 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): 1.2

Where it is found

Waste places and cultivated ground in S. Europe.

S. America. Naturalized in S. Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The dried leaves are used as an aromatic seasoning for soups and vegetables. They give an apple-like flavour. An essential oil obtained from the distilled plant, harvested when in flower, is used as a flavouring in ice cream, baked goods, soft drinks etc.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The whole plant is anthelmintic, antispasmodic, aromatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, purgative and stomachic. It is used internally in the treatment of gastritis, indigestion and internal worms. Externally, it is used to treat haemorrhoids and skin infections. The plant is harvested when in flower and dried for later use.

Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Aromatic: Having an agreeable odour and stimulant qualities.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Digestive: Aids digestion.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating: 3

This plant is 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.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

Herbicide: Plants or plant extracts that can inhibit the growth of other plants.

Insecticide: Kills insects.

Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.

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. Grows well in heavy clay soils and in sandy soils. Plants are not very resistant to frosts and need to be grown as half hardy annuals. They also need a long growing season, usually flowering too late in the autumn to set seed in Britain. Removing dead flowers before the seed is formed will extend the flowering season. A very good companion plant, 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: 8-11

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

This species has an irritant sap that can cause dermatitis in sensitive people.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

T. glandulifera. T. glandulosa.