'Clinton' (Tagetes erecta) - Thanks to their large pom-pom blooms in bright orange color, African marigolds are sure to brighten up any garden space. Bushy annuals boasting huge double, 5-10cm wide flowers coming in rich orange color. Blooms in 55-65 days for 5–6 months of huge blooms, then slowly tapers — cut back hard in month 4 and you’ll get a second big flush. Unrivalled heat and rain tolerance. One of the most potent mosquito-repelling plants on earth. Cut flowers last 12–14 days in a vase — perfect for home altars or gifting. Surprisingly easy for beginners; Generally pest and disease free thanks to their essential oil.
Easy to grow and low maintenance, excellent for beds, containers, pots or as edging plants. Vigorously grows up to 30-120cm tall and 30-60cm wide. Although tall, it performs brilliantly in large (30–40 cm) pots on sunny balconies.
Edible petals have a subtle citrus-saffron flavour — spectacular in risottos or as dramatic salad garnish. Petals used in traditional ointments for skin infections and burns.
Growing:
Sow directly in garden or pots year-round; best during cooler parts of rainy season for easier establishment. Surface-sow (barely cover) in seed-starting mix; seeds need light to germinate.
Germination: 5–7 days at 22–28 °C soil temperature. Spacing: 15–25 cm apart (dwarf varieties).
Light: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily); tolerates light afternoon shade in 35 °C+ heat.
Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile loam; pH 6.0–7.0. Avoid rich, wet soils — promotes foliage over flowers. Containers: Use 15–20 cm pots with drainage holes; excellent for patios.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during establishment (first 2–3 weeks). Once rooted, water 2–3 cm per week in dry spells; reduce in monsoons. Never let soil stay waterlogged — root rot is common in humid tropics.
Fertilizing: Light feeder: Apply balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) at half-strength every 4–6 weeks. Avoid excess nitrogen — causes leggy growth and fewer blooms. In poor soils, mix in compost at planting.
Common issues in tropics: Spider mites & thrips in dry heat — hose off or use neem oil. Fungal leaf spot or powdery mildew in high humidity — improve airflow, avoid overhead watering.
Companion planting: Excellent near tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.
The TSM Guarantee: It's our promise to ensure that all our products are strictly Non-GMO, and free from any possible harmful chemical compounds. All come from trusted and carefully selected small non commercial farmers worldwide providing fresh, safe supply. Specially sourced for Singapore.
