I've been sifting through a bucketload of Tagetes seeds - there are so many different types! Thought it was just French marigolds (short) and African marigolds (tall) but, its not that simple. There seem to be :-
Tagetes tenuifolia aka Signet marigold - like Lemon Gem
Tagetes Patula - like Naughty Marietta. I'd call this lot French marigolds
Tagetes Erecta - African marigolds
Tagetes Lucida - Sweet mace
and, the one that sounds the smallest:-
Tagetes minuta - which grows to 1.5m aka Stinking Roger.
Chiltern seeds say, about T. Minuta :-
We are very pleased to have been able to obtain a supply of these seeds again for it is one of those useful plants we are frequently asked if we can supply. It is not as an ornamental that it is sought, but for its reputation as a destroyer of weeds by means of its strong herbicidal root secretions which repel nematodes and suppress weeds. Among the more popular weeds said to yield to these are Ground Elder, Couch Grass, Convolvulus and other nasties. In general appearance, well grown, it looks like a rather large African Marigold with particularly finely cut leaves (so at the very least you finish up with a rather fine foliage plant) but with small flowers more like an impoverished, pale yellow Groundsel. Plant out in spring 12ins apart. 8ft (2.4m)
This genus includes some of the commonest and most popular annuals grown. In spite of their common names, they all originate from Mexico. All are easy to grow and are useful for cutting.
Tagetes tenuifolia aka Signet marigold - like Lemon Gem
Tagetes Patula - like Naughty Marietta. I'd call this lot French marigolds
Tagetes Erecta - African marigolds
Tagetes Lucida - Sweet mace
and, the one that sounds the smallest:-
Tagetes minuta - which grows to 1.5m aka Stinking Roger.
Chiltern seeds say, about T. Minuta :-
We are very pleased to have been able to obtain a supply of these seeds again for it is one of those useful plants we are frequently asked if we can supply. It is not as an ornamental that it is sought, but for its reputation as a destroyer of weeds by means of its strong herbicidal root secretions which repel nematodes and suppress weeds. Among the more popular weeds said to yield to these are Ground Elder, Couch Grass, Convolvulus and other nasties. In general appearance, well grown, it looks like a rather large African Marigold with particularly finely cut leaves (so at the very least you finish up with a rather fine foliage plant) but with small flowers more like an impoverished, pale yellow Groundsel. Plant out in spring 12ins apart. 8ft (2.4m)
This genus includes some of the commonest and most popular annuals grown. In spite of their common names, they all originate from Mexico. All are easy to grow and are useful for cutting.
The Moneyless Chicken says:-
Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.
Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.