seeds of Tagetes minuta, Wild Marigold

Tagetes minuta, also called the wild marigold, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. The plant’s synonyms include Tagetes bonariensis, Tagetes glandulifera, and Tagetes glandulosa. Other common names for the plant include southern marigold, stinking roger, black mint, chinchilla and chiquilla. Tagetes minuta has its origins in Southern and Central South America. The plant was subsequently spread around the world by the Spanish which led to its successful naturalization. Cultivation of the plant currently happens in Australasia, Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia. Tagetes minuta is a woody herb that grows to a height of between 0.5 and 2 metres. The plant has an upright green stem whose colour changes to a reddish-brownish colour upon maturity. Leaves are pinnate, aromatic, bright green and have a length of 5 to 20 cm. The inflorescence has between 20 and 80 flower-heads which have a length and a diameter of up to 15mm and 4mm respectively. Fruits are black, hairy, and slender with a length of 5 to 8 mm. Peruvian cuisine makes use of the dried leaves of Tagetes minuta to prepare a seasoning that one can use in the making of potato dishes. Another use of the leaves is the brewing of tea. The tree is also an important source of marigold oil which is a primary ingredient in the making of tobacco and perfumes. Soft drinks and ice cream are also the other products one can make using marigold oil. Tagetes minuta is a good source dye and a useful plant to have when making green manure. Tagetes minuta grows best in either heavy clay soils or sandy soils. The soils have to be both well-drained and fertile. The plant isn’t frost resistant, and great care must be taken to avoid exposing it to such harsh conditions. Tagetes minuta takes 120 days to grow and reach maturity.