African Marigold 'Harlequin'
Tagetes erecta 'Harlequin'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
12 inches
Width
8 inches
Light
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Low to moderate
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
Mexico
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Tagetes erecta is an upright, bushy annual prized for its large, fully double, carnation-like flowerheads and aromatic, pinnately divided leaves. 'Harlequin' is a distinctive cultivar featuring large, 2-3 inch flowerheads with striped petals of mahogany-red and golden-yellow, creating a bold, bicolored effect.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds shallowly into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Ensure plants receive full sun for optimal growth.
- Water consistently, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize monthly with balanced, organic fertilizer during growing season.
- Pinch back early growth to promote bushier plants.
Pro Tip
Use organic compost to enrich soil and boost flowering vigor.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Provide full sun for best flowering
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen during flowering
- Never allow soil to dry out completely
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
African Marigold 'Harlequin' questions
What zones can African Marigold 'Harlequin' grow in?
African Marigold 'Harlequin' is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is African Marigold 'Harlequin' deer resistant?
Yes — African Marigold 'Harlequin' is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does African Marigold 'Harlequin' bloom?
African Marigold 'Harlequin' typically blooms in summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does African Marigold 'Harlequin' need full sun?
African Marigold 'Harlequin' does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is African Marigold 'Harlequin' drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), African Marigold 'Harlequin' handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Tagetes to compare
African Marigold
Tagetes erecta 'Villandry'
African Marigold 'White Swan'
Tagetes erecta 'White Swan'
Dwarf African Marigold
Tagetes erecta 'Dwarf Jaguar'
Mexican Marigold
Tagetes lemmonii
African Marigold
Tagetes erecta 'Day of the Dead Orange'
African Marigold
Tagetes erecta 'Hot Sun'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow African Marigold 'Harlequin' with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
