Tagetes erecta

Tagetes erecta (African / Aztec marigold) — the tall, big-pompon marigold from Mexico, the cempasúchil of the Day of the Dead. One of the species in our marigold range.

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Tagetes erecta — the African marigold

Tagetes erecta is the botanical name for the African or Aztec marigold, the tall, large-flowered cousin of the French marigold, with big pompon blooms in glowing gold and orange. It is one of the species behind our marigold range within the flower seed collection.

History & origin

Like all true marigolds, the “African” marigold actually comes from Mexico and Central America — the misleading name reflects where Europeans later found it naturalised. This is the great marigold of Mexican culture: as cempasúchil, the “flower of the dead,” it adorns altars and graves for the Day of the Dead, its scent and colour said to guide returning spirits. Today it is also grown commercially as a source of natural yellow pigment.

The species name erecta means “upright,” after its tall, sturdy habit, and the genus honours the Etruscan deity Tages.

Botanical characteristics

Taller and bolder than the French marigold, Tagetes erecta reaches up to a metre and carries large, densely double, ball-shaped flowers on strong stems. Its size and long vase life make it useful for cutting as well as bedding, and like all marigolds it is a willing companion plant and a draw for hoverflies, earning a place among our pollinator flowers. For shorter, bushier plants, see its relative the French marigold.

Growing Tagetes erecta from seed

Sow under cover in spring and plant out after the last frost, or sow direct once the soil is warm. Give it full sun, deadhead for continuous bloom, and stake the tallest varieties in exposed spots. It will flower from summer right through to the first frosts. Our flower growing guide and companion planting guide tell you more.

Ready to grow marigolds? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Marigold · Pollinator Flowers · Bee-Friendly Flowers · Edible Flowers · All Flower Seeds

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tagetes erecta?
It is the African or Aztec marigold, a tall, large-flowered annual.

Where does it originate?
From Mexico and Central America, despite the “African” name.

What is cempasúchil?
The Mexican name for this marigold, the flower of the Day of the Dead.

French or African marigold?
French (T. patula) is compact and bushy; African (T. erecta) is tall with big pompon blooms.

How do I grow them?
Sow in spring under cover or direct when warm, in full sun; deadhead and stake the tallest types.