Botanical profile

Tangerine marigold

Latin name
Tagetes tenuifolia 'Tangerine
Common name
Tangerine marigold
Type
Annual aromatic and edible flower
Family
Asteraceae

The tangerine marigold is a very decorative annual aromatic plant, appreciated for its bright orange blooms reminiscent of mandarins. Its finely cut foliage gives off a herbaceous and slightly lemony scent, making it an excellent plant for vegetable gardens, herb gardens, edible containers, flower borders, and patio pots. It quickly adds color, fragrance, and a sunny touch to outdoor spaces.

Easy to grow, the tangerine 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 abundant flowering, but overwatering should be avoided. Removing faded flowers or lightly pruning the plant helps to prolong flowering and maintain a denser, more harmonious habit.

Both edible, fragrant, and useful in the garden, the tangerine marigold attracts pollinators and fits perfectly into gourmet arrangements. Its flowers can be used sparingly to decorate salads, desserts, cool drinks, summer plates, and colorful culinary creations. It is an excellent annual for gardeners looking for an easy, vibrant, and original plant, perfect for enriching a decorative vegetable garden, an herb garden, or a sunny flowerbed.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Bright tangerine orange bloom and decorative edible flowers
Vegetable garden, edible border, container, balcony, edible flowers, pollinator garden
Container growing
Container culture excellent in a well-drained pot
Seasonal care
Remove faded flowers to prolong blooming; harvest petals as needed; protect from cold and pull out after frost
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Non-hardy – grown as an annual in Quebec (zones 10+ only as a perennial)
Exposure
Full sun
Watering
Moderate
Humidity
Low to moderate humidity; prefers well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light compost for seedlings; 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 sowing or cuttings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer to Fall
Flower color
Orange tangerine
Fruiting
Late-season seeds
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Compact and branched bushy habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
25 to 45 cm (10 to 18 in.)
Width
25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Tomatoes, basil, peppers, marigolds
Plants to avoid
None known
Spacing
25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches)
Harvest period
June to September
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

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.