Mexican marigold (cempasúchil) Tagetes erecta
Mexican marigold (cempasúchil) (Tagetes erecta) is an annual flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Mexico and Central America. It grows 40–90 cm (16–35 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
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Mexican marigold (cempasúchil) at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 40–90 cm (16–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 8–11 weeks after planting, for 13–21 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 80 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: petals (colourant, tea) |
| Native to | Mexico and Central America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Mexican marigold (cempasúchil) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: foliage, sap, flowers
Can cause mild stomach upset and skin irritation or photosensitivity from thiophene compounds.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Mexican marigold (cempasúchil)
Good neighbours
- good With Tomato: Tagetes roots release thiophenes that suppress root-knot nematodes, but the effect is documented mainly for dense marigold stands grown before the crop, not for a few plants beside tomatoes. Evidence C
Questions about Mexican marigold (cempasúchil)
- How far apart should I plant Mexican marigold (cempasúchil)?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Mexican marigold (cempasúchil) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mexican marigold (cempasúchil) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Mexican marigold (cempasúchil)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Mexican marigold (cempasúchil) flower?
- About 8–11 weeks after planting, for 13–21 weeks.
- Is Mexican marigold (cempasúchil) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Can cause mild stomach upset and skin irritation or photosensitivity from thiophene compounds.
- What grows well with Mexican marigold (cempasúchil)?
- Tagetes roots release thiophenes that suppress root-knot nematodes, but the effect is documented mainly for dense marigold stands grown before the crop, not for a few plants beside tomatoes.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Counted from transplant; used for Day of the Dead displays in Mexico and as a source of lutein pigment.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus