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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

The flowers are used in refreshing drinks[1][2].

The leaves are used as a food flavouring[2][3]. No further details are given. The essential oil is used as a food flavouring, though it is inferior to the oil obtained from T. minuta[3].

The dried flowers are an adulterant of saffron(Crocus sativus), used for colouring foods yellow[2][3].

Unknown part

Material uses

Secretions from the roots of growing plants have an insecticidal effect on the soil, effective against nematodes and to some extent against keeled slugs[4][5][6][7]. These secretions are produced about 3 - 4 months after sowing[6].

The whole plant is harvested when in flower and distilled for its essential oil[7][3].The oil is used in perfumery, it is blended with sandalwood oil to produce 'attar genda' perfume[3]. About 35 kilos of oil can be extracted from 1 hectare of the plant (yielding 2,500 kilos of flowers and 25,000 kilos of herbage)[7]. The whole plant contains substances that are toxic to cockroaches[7]. The growing plant repels whitefly and can be grown near tomatoes to keep that crop free of the insect[4][5].

A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers[8]. It is used to colour foods and textiles[3]. The flowers are sometimes used as an adulterant of saffron (obtained from Crocus sativus)[3].

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The whole herb is aromatic, digestive, diuretic and sedative[3]. It is used internally in the treatment of indigestion, colic, severe constipation[3], coughs and dysentery[7]. Externally, it is used to treat sore eyes and rheumatism[3]. The leaves are harvested as required for immediate use during the growing season, whilst the flowering plant can be dried and stored for later use[3].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow March in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Tagetes patula. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a well-drained moderately fertile soil in a sunny position[6]. Grows well in heavy clay soils and in sandy soils[9].

A very ornamental plant[10], there are many named varieties[9]. A good butterfly plant[11]. Removing dead flowers before the seed is formed will extend the flowering season[9]. The bruised leaves emit a refreshing pungent smell[12]. Plants are prone to slugs, snails and botrytis[9].

The French marigold is often used as a companion plant, especially for growing amongst tomatoes and potatoes where it helps to repel pests[3]. See 'Other uses' below for more details.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Tagetes patula. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Tagetes patula.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Tagetes patula
Genus
Tagetes
Family
Compositae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
9
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    "image:Tagetes patula1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Tagetes patula1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Tagetes patula1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Tagetes patula1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Tagetes patula1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Tagetes patula1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Tagetes patula1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Tagetes patula1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Tagetes patula1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Tagetes patula1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Tagetes patula1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Tagetes patula1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Tagetes patula1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    3. ? 3.003.013.023.033.043.053.063.073.083.093.103.113.123.133.14 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.57.6 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Buchanan. R. A Weavers Garden. ()
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.3 Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)
    10. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    11. ? Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan ISBN 0-330-26642-x (1982-00-00)
    12. ? Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
    13. ? Munz. A California Flora. University of California Press (1959-00-00)
    14. ? Pesman. M. W. Meet Flora Mexicana. Dale S. King. Arizona. (1962-00-00)

    "image:Tagetes patula1.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.