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Taishan

Family: Asteraceae Flower
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Taishan to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Sun-warmed petals unfurl in a blaze of golden-orange to deep amber—Taishan African Marigold is a feast for the eye with a plush, layered bloom that holds its color with confident, garden-ready vigor.

The flowers are dense and velvety, forming compact, upright heads that feel substantial in the hand and look striking in mass plantings. Grow Taishan for showy, long-lasting ornamental color that shines from early summer through fall—ideal for borders, beds, and vivid container displays.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Taishan

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

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsMar 28th
Last FrostApr 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsApr 25th
Harvest BeginsJun 24th
Harvest EndsOct 16th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity60
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBush
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)7

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Tagetes erecta (African marigold) and how can I treat it?
African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are prone to powdery mildew, especially in humid weather with crowded plants and poor airflow. Remove heavily infected leaves, improve spacing, and water at the soil line to keep foliage dry; if needed, apply a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew and reapply according to the label. Watch for aphids as well—rinse them off with a strong spray or use an insecticidal soap if populations persist.
How often should I water Tagetes erecta during the main growing phase?
During active growth, water to keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist but not soggy; a deep watering 2–3 times per week is typical, adjusted for your weather and soil drainage. Let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings, because standing moisture can encourage fungal issues like mildew. In hot, windy periods you may need more frequent watering, but always avoid wetting the flower heads and leaves.
How can I tell when Tagetes erecta is ready to harvest?
Harvest when the flower heads are fully formed and have firm, richly colored blooms—typically around 60 days from sowing under good conditions. For cut flowers, pick in the morning after dew dries but before the midday heat, and choose heads that are at peak color with no browning or shriveled florets. If you’re harvesting for seed, allow the heads to mature until they look dry and papery and then collect the seeds once they release easily.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Taishan in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Taishan.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Taishan.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Taishan in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Taishan.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Taishan.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Start indoors for earlier blooms, then transplant only once nights are reliably warm, giving plants full sun for compact, dense flowering.