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Marigold African Orange Jubilee

Tagetes erecta 'Orange Jubilee'

These impressive African marigolds produce massive 4-inch fully double orange blooms on sturdy 24-inch plants that stand up to wind and weather. Known for their exceptional heat tolerance and continuous blooming, they're perfect for creating bold color statements in borders and cutting gardens. The vibrant orange flowers also serve as natural pest deterrents in vegetable gardens.

Harvest

N/Ad

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

tah-JEE-tees ee-RECK-tah

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-4 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Marigold African Orange Jubilee in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

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Marigold African Orange Jubilee · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-15 inches

SoilAverage, well-drained soil, tolerates poor soils

pH6.0-7.5

WaterLow to moderate, drought tolerant once established

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorPetals have citrusy, slightly bitter taste

ColorBright orange

Size4 inch diameter double flowers

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—

Complete Growing Guide

Light: tah-JEE-tees ee-RECK-tah. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Color: Black. Type: Achene.

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Fall, Summer

Edibility: Sap or juice can cause a rash.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh-cut African Orange Jubilee flowers last 5-7 days when properly stored. Immediately place cut stems in lukewarm water, then transfer to a cool location away from direct sunlight. Recut stems underwater every 2-3 days to maintain water uptake.

For culinary petals, store fresh ones in the refrigerator between damp paper towels in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer preservation, dry petals by spreading them on screens in a dark, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks until crisp. Properly dried petals retain their color and can be stored in airtight containers for up to one year.

Freeze whole petals in ice cubes for decorative drinks, or freeze dried petals in small containers for winter use as a natural food coloring. The dried petals work excellently as a saffron substitute in rice dishes and baked goods.

History & Origin

Origin: Mexico to Guatemala

Advantages

+Attracts: Attractive Flowers, Colorful
+Wildlife value: attracts butterflies
+Edible: Sap or juice can cause a rash.
+Low maintenance

Considerations

-Toxic (Flowers, Roots, Sap/Juice): Low severity
-Causes contact dermatitis

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Tomatoes

Marigolds repel nematodes, whiteflies, and hornworms that commonly attack tomatoes

Basil

Both repel aphids and flies; basil enhances the pest-repelling properties of marigolds

Peppers

Marigolds deter aphids, spider mites, and other pests that damage pepper plants

Cabbage

Repels cabbage worms, flea beetles, and other brassica pests

Cucumbers

Deters cucumber beetles, aphids, and squash bugs while attracting beneficial insects

Roses

Repels aphids, whiteflies, and may help reduce black spot disease

Nasturtiums

Both trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles; create effective pest management zone

Lettuce

Marigolds repel slugs, aphids, and provide light shade during hot weather

Keep Apart

Black Walnut Trees

Juglone toxin from walnut roots stunts marigold growth and can cause wilting

Fennel

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit marigold germination and growth

Sunflowers

Compete aggressively for nutrients and water; allelopathic effects reduce marigold vigor

Nutrition Facts

Calories

97kcal(5%)

Protein

1.5g(3%)

Fiber

10.6g(38%)

Carbs

25g(9%)

Fat

0.2g(0%)

Vitamin C

136mg(151%)

Vitamin A

21mcg(2%)

Iron

0.8mg(4%)

Calcium

161mg(12%)

Potassium

212mg(5%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169103)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good disease resistance, naturally pest-repelling

Common Pests

Spider mites, aphids (though plants naturally repel many pests)

Diseases

Powdery mildew, leaf spot, stem rot in overly wet conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do African Orange Jubilee marigolds take to bloom from seed?▼

African Orange Jubilee marigolds typically bloom 8-10 weeks from seed when started indoors, or 10-12 weeks when direct sown. Indoor-started plants transplanted after the last frost usually begin flowering by mid-June in most climates, while direct-sown seeds planted in late spring start blooming in mid to late July.

Can you grow African Orange Jubilee marigolds in containers?▼

Yes, African Orange Jubilee marigolds excel in containers. Use pots at least 12 inches wide and deep to accommodate their 24-inch height and robust root system. Choose containers with drainage holes and use quality potting mix. Container plants may need daily watering in hot weather and benefit from monthly liquid fertilizing.

Are African Orange Jubilee marigold petals safe to eat?▼

Yes, the petals are edible and have a citrusy, slightly bitter flavor. Remove petals from fresh flowers, avoiding the white base which is more bitter. Use them as colorful garnishes, in salads, or as a natural saffron substitute for coloring rice and baked goods. Always ensure flowers haven't been treated with pesticides.

When should I plant African Orange Jubilee marigold seeds?▼

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date for earliest blooms, or direct sow 2-3 weeks after the last frost when soil temperature reaches 60°F. In most regions, this means starting indoors in March-April or direct sowing in May-June, depending on your hardiness zone.

Do African Orange Jubilee marigolds really repel garden pests?▼

Yes, they naturally deter many common garden pests including aphids, whiteflies, and certain nematodes through compounds in their roots and foliage scent. However, they're not foolproof and may still attract spider mites and aphids under stress conditions. Plant them around tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables for best pest-deterrent benefits.

How often should I deadhead African Orange Jubilee marigolds?▼

Deadhead spent blooms every 2-3 days during peak blooming season by pinching or cutting just above the next developing bud. Regular deadheading encourages continuous flowering and prevents the plant from going to seed. In hot climates, you may need to deadhead daily to maintain peak performance.