Tagetes erecta Hawaii

The Hawaiian Marigold, whose Latin name is Tagetes erecta, is an annual herbaceous plant forming a highly branched small bush, 80 to 90 cm (31.5 to 35.4 in) tall and 40 cm (15.7 in) wide, and producing numerous flowers from June to frost.

Originally from South America, it thrives in sunny or semi-shaded positions in all types of soil, even poor and dry ones. This variety is sometimes found under the name "Hawaii" or referred to as "African Marigold".

Its leaves, 5 to 10 cm (2 to 3.9 in) long, are deeply cut and exude a characteristic scent reminiscent of citrus and pepper. Its robust angular stems bear large double terminal flowers (8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in) in diameter), bright orange in colour and resembling large fluffy pompoms.

This giant easy-to-grow Marigold is particularly appreciated in the middle of flower beds, as tall borders, or in large pots on the terrace. The long stems of the Hawaiian Marigold allow for beautiful summer bouquets.

Ecological action:
In the vegetable garden, Marigolds and African Marigolds prove to be good assets in the fight against nematodes – microscopic worms that attack the roots of certain vegetables like carrots. Surround your sensitive vegetables with a row of these flowers to naturally repel these parasites. While protecting your vegetable garden, these flowers will provide you with a good supply of cut flowers. After the first frost, bury the plants in the soil. They will continue to have a repellent effect against nematodes for some time and contribute to the renewal of organic matter in your soil.