Taishan Yellow

Marigold

Zone 9b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Taishan Yellow

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Sunlit Taishan Yellow blooms arrive like warm lanterns—dense, double pom-poms in a rich golden-yellow that glow above finely divi…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 29th
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 6th
Harvest Begins	Jun 5th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest or disease problem for Tagetes erecta (Taishan Yellow), and what should I do?

A frequent issue on marigold (Tagetes erecta) is leaf spot caused by fungi, which shows up as small brown/gray spots that spread and can defoliate plants. Remove and discard infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and water at the soil line in the morning to keep foliage dry. If the problem is spreading, use an appropriate fungicide labeled for ornamental marigolds and repeat according to the label directions.

How often should I water Tagetes erecta during its main growing phase?

During active growth (roughly after plants are established until around mid-season), keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—typically watering when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. In full sun, this often means about 2–3 deep waterings per week depending on heat and container vs. ground conditions. Reduce watering once plants begin to slow near maturity (around the last couple weeks) to prevent waterlogged roots.

How can I tell when Taishan Yellow (Tagetes erecta) is ready to harvest?

Tagetes erecta is ready to harvest at about 60 days when flowers are fully formed and brightly colored with petals that look crisp rather than drooping. Harvest in the morning when blooms are open and most fragrant, cutting stems with clean snips just above a leaf node to encourage additional flowering. If you’re harvesting for dried petals, wait until blooms are at peak color and fully open, then dry immediately to prevent browning.

Sunlit Taishan Yellow blooms arrive like warm lanterns—dense, double pom-poms in a rich golden-yellow that glow above finely divided foliage. The petals are velvety and tightly layered, holding their color with an almost satin sheen through the season. Ideal for beds, borders, and mass plantings, Taishan Yellow is also a pollinator-friendly favorite, bringing steady floral presence for vibrant garden color.

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 seeds indoors for uniform blooms, then wait until nights are consistently warm before setting out to avoid stunting.