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?
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?
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