Antigua

Family: Asteraceae Flower

Sunlit, velvety blooms arrive in abundance—Antigua African Marigold dazzles with warm, saturated color and a plush, layered texture that seems to glow even in the brightest beds.

Expect sturdy, upright plants that hold their form through the season, producing large, fully double flowers with a satisfying, dense petal richness. Ideal for bold garden display, Antigua shines as a showy centerpiece in borders and mass plantings, delivering long-lasting color from early summer into fall.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Bush

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Despite the edible flag, African marigold is best treated like a spice-garnish: use a few petals, because the bitterness and herbal bite can run loud fast. With its plush petal density, it shines when kept small—infused, chopped, or folded into butter—so it doesn’t overwhelm the plate.

Best Uses

Use only sparingly as a garnish—chopped fine, they add a peppery, bittersweet edge
Infuse petals into a strained vinegar or quick brine for a floral-herbal tang
Fold petals into a savory compound butter for grilled meats or corn

Flavor Profile

Ornamental marigold petals are strongly herbal and slightly bitter Velvety, dense petal mouthfeel Citrusy-leaning bite with a peppery, green finish

Kitchen Pairings

white vinegar lemon zest honey black pepper goat cheese chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often hits Tagetes erecta (African marigold), and how can I control it?

Look for aphids and spider mites on Tagetes erecta, which show up as distorted new growth, fine stippling, or webbing. Spray plants with a strong jet of water first, then follow with insecticidal soap and repeat every 5–7 days until you see no new damage. If you notice leaf spots or botrytis-like gray growth in humid weather, remove affected leaves and improve airflow with wider spacing and morning watering only at the base.

How often should I water Tagetes erecta during active growth?

During the main growth phase, water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out, which is often about 2–3 times per week in warm weather. Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—Tagetes erecta performs best with good drainage to prevent root issues and disease flare-ups. After plants are established, reduce frequency slightly and avoid wetting foliage late in the day.

How can I tell when Tagetes erecta (Antigua African marigold) is ready to harvest?

Harvest (or start cutting for bouquets) when flower heads are fully colored and open, with petals firm and not wilting or browning at the edges. Since Tagetes erecta typically takes around 70 days to maturity, begin checking from late in that window and harvest as soon as blooms are at their peak. Cut in the morning and remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continued flowering.