Sweet scented Marigold
Tagetes patula
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A herb. It is smaller than Tagetes erecta. It grows 20-50 cm high and spreads 15-30 cm wide. The stems are round and purple. The leaves are divided into leaflets along the stalk. The segments are sword shaped and they have narrow teeth. The flowers can have reddish-brown colours. They can occur singly or in clusters.
There are about 50 Tagetes species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, Caribbean, Caucasus, Central Africa, Central America, China, Congo, Gabon, Georgia, Guatemala (country/location of origin), Hawaii, India, Korea, Mexico (country/location of origin), Myanmar, New Zealand, Niue, North America, Pacific, SE Asia, Slovenia, USA
How it is used for food
The leaves are used as a spice or flavouring. The dried flowers are used to colour butter and cheese. The flowers are used for a tea.
Edible parts
Leaves - spice, flowers - tea, root, seed
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
French marigold, Genda, Gendu, Guljaphini, Imeretian saffron, Kongquecao, Machamul, Peacock plant, Rjavkasta žametnica, Sweet Mace, Taugla