Pineapple Marigold in a pot | Edible flower

Latin name

Tagetes tenuifolia

Common name

Pineapple Marigold

Type

Annual aromatic herb

Family

Asteraceae

Pineapple marigold is a very unique annual aromatic plant, appreciated for its finely cut foliage with a fruity, fresh, and slightly sweet scent reminiscent of pineapple. It adds an exotic touch to herb gardens, vegetable patches, edible containers, flower borders, and patio pots. Its bright blooms, often in yellow to orange hues, add color and a beautiful natural effect to outdoor spaces.

Easy to grow, pineapple marigold prefers a full sun, warm, and well-drained location. It grows very well in pots as well as in the ground and requires little maintenance when it receives enough light. Regular watering promotes good growth and generous flowering, but overwatering should be avoided. Light pruning or deadheading helps maintain a denser, more branched, and decorative plant throughout the season.

Both fragrant, edible, and beneficial for pollinators, pineapple marigold is ideal for enriching a gourmet garden with a different and very aromatic plant. Its leaves and flowers can be used sparingly to flavor or decorate salads, desserts, cold drinks, infusions, and summer dishes. It is an excellent annual for gardeners looking for an easy, colorful, original plant that is perfect for adding a fruity touch to edible landscapes.

Care guide

Care level

Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit

Aromatic foliage with a pineapple scent and decorative orange-yellow flowers

Vegetable garden, herbs, container, edible border, edible flowers, pollinator garden

Container growing

Excellent pot culture in a well-drained container

Seasonal care

Harvest leaves and flowers as needed; deadhead to prolong flowering; protect from cold

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone

Not hardy

Exposure

Sun

Watering

Moderate; allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings

Humidity

Low to medium humidity; prefers well-drained soil

Fertilization

Light compost for sowing; moderate fertilization in pots

Soil type

Light, fertile, rather dry, and well-drained soil

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly alkaline

Minimum temperature

32 °F

Propagation method

Direct seeding or cuttings

Blooming period

Summer to Fall

Flower color

Orange-yellow

Fruiting

Late-season seeds

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Obsolete

Shape

Compact and branched bushy habit

Height

30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches)

Width

30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)

Growth rate

Rapid growth

Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants

Tomatoes, basil, peppers, marigolds

Plants to avoid

Cabbage, beans

Spacing

10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm)

Harvest period

Leaves and flowers from spring to autumn

Pets

Repellent

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.