African Marigold Hawaii

African Marigold Hawaii — variety description

African Marigold Hawaii (Tagetes erecta) is an annual flower of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). The African marigold "Hawaii" is an heirloom variety with large, fluffy orange flowers, growing to 36 cm tall.

The flowers are used as natural dyes in food and textiles.

Recommended for beds and borders and the cutting garden.

The African (tall) marigold produces large, dense pompons in yellow and orange from June until the frosts. Repels nematodes and pests — a good neighbour for vegetables.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 88%
• Seeds per packet: 255–345 pcs (1 g)
• Seed origin: Tanzania
• Sowing: April and May; seedlings or direct
• Flowering: June – October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow African Marigold Hawaii

African Marigold Hawaii seeds are sown in April and May. The plants flower from June to October. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow African Marigold Hawaii

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 0.5–1 cm
• Spacing: 30–40 cm
• Germination: 5–8 days at 20–25 °C
• Position: sunny spot

The Hawaii marigold thrives in full sun and is most often sown directly after the last frost. For the earliest flowers, start 6-8 weeks indoors before the last frost. Germinate them in a warm place, fully exposed to light. Harden off the seedlings gradually before transplanting them permanently outdoors. After sowing and transplanting, the marigold should be watered generously. The Hawaii African marigold is native to Mexico and is known to tolerate gardens prone to heat, drought and clay soils. Avoid overhead watering, as this can make your garden more susceptible to disease and pests. Keep the area free of weeds. At the end of the season, you can leave the plants to rot down in place as an easy alternative to mulching.

Sow for seedlings in March–April, or directly after the last frosts. Plant in sun; remove spent flowers for abundant blooms.

Flowering and uses

Excellent for cutting, borders and for planting among tomatoes and cabbages.

Frequently asked questions

When should African Marigold Hawaii be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 255–345 seeds, pack size 1 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 88%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Why is the marigold planted next to vegetables?

Its roots release substances that repel soil nematodes, and its scent drives away some pests.