Types of Tagetes

[chillithyme]

I don't like the smell of tagetes but I do love African marigolds, I can't remember the variety, I save the seed and leave them in envelopes. If they get rid of couch grass then even better, I will have to fill my plot with them

[veggiechicken]

A Chinese family took on a weedy plot earlier this year and they planted half of it with tall Marigolds, they look lovely (like African types) but they said the marigolds would kill the couch grass roots. I was dubious, but I'm keeping an eye on it...

I found many references to the power of Tagetes roots to control couch grass - and for the scent to repel whitefly. Sounds like a must-grow plant for everyone!

[Thelma Sanders]

The only ones I grow are the single varieties of Tagetes patula, like Dainty Marietta and her sisters Red, Disco and of course there's always the Naughty one
They keep the whitefly out of the greenhouse and look cheerful Seeds are cheap but they often self seed in the greenhouse warmth.

A Chinese family took on a weedy plot earlier this year and they planted half of it with tall Marigolds, they look lovely (like African types) but they said the marigolds would kill the couch grass roots. I was dubious, but I'm keeping an eye on it...

[Bren In Pots]

Just checked my seed packet mine are, 'Marigold (French) Tiger Eyes' I sow them the same time as my toms planting them in the GH border any spares go in the garden amongst my veg.

One year I grew mixed Marigolds and some grew nearly to the GH roof

[veggiechicken]

I've been sorting my Tagetes seeds and learnt something I thought I'd share!

Tagetes are Marigolds (not the English Calendula marigolds) but the African and French ones commonly found in summer bedding. Despite their names they originate in Mexico (nothing is simple).

Tagetes erecta are African marigolds, the tall ones - up to 3'.

Tagetes patula are French marigolds. Some are dwarf (8") but can be 2' high. "Patula" means "spreading".

African and French marigolds were all that I knew. Of course, there are more types, including:-

Tagetes lucida aka "Sweet Mace" with sweet scented flowers. Is sold as a tarragon substitute.

Tagetes minuta = Mexican marigold.aka Huacatay/ Mexican black mint. More at https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ion_99289.html

Tagetes tenuifolia = Striped Mexican marigold and Signet marigold. "Tenuifolia" means "slender leaved".

By chance I have seeds of all of these types but they have been low on my sowing list - especially the African ones which seem to stiff and formal for my random garden. They're also Half Hardy annuals and they're always overlooked! Having sorted out these seeds now, I feel duty bound to sow them in 2020 - "give seeds a chance".

Does anyone have any growing advice or favourites, please?