Tagetes tenuifolia
Origin: Native from Mexico to Peru
Improvement status: Unknown
Seeds per packet: ~50
Germination tested 01/2026: 96%
Life cycle: Annual
From our friend Jennifer Williams of Wild Dreams Farm (Vashon Island, Washington) comes this charming mix of small-flowered marigolds in yellow, orange, & deep-red hues. Plants reach around 1.5' tall, with blooming lasting from late July until frost. This species — native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Peru — is most often grown as an ornamental, but it also has culinary, medicinal, and pest repellant properties (or even pest-killing, in the case of some nematodes). The blossoms are edible, adding a lemony flavor to salads or sandwiches, or used as a bright garnish. Medicinally, the plant has been used against gastrointenstinal compaints, bruises, and snakebites. Rubbing the plant on skin can help repel mosquitos, and it is sometimes planted by small bodies of water to help control mosquitos. The strong smell of the leaves is said to deter small animals like rabbits when planted at the edge of a garden.
GROWING TIPS: Surface sow after last frost. Prefers full sun.
