Contents
Description
Tagetes Patula Honeycomb is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Mexico and Central America and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The plant produces numerous small, daisy-like flowers that are yellow-orange in color and have a distinct honeycomb pattern on their petals. The flowers are fragrant and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Tagetes |
Appearance
Tagetes Patula Honeycomb grows up to 30-40 cm tall and has a bushy habit. The leaves are dark green, finely divided, and have a fern-like appearance. The flowers are about 2-3 cm in diameter and have a central disc surrounded by 8-10 petals. The petals are yellow-orange in color and have a honeycomb pattern on their surface. The flowers bloom from summer to fall and are followed by small, oblong fruits that contain the plant’s seeds.
Care Guide
Tagetes Patula Honeycomb is easy to grow and care for. Here are some tips:
Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil. If the soil is heavy, add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Sunlight: Tagetes Patula Honeycomb prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 2-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tagetes Patula Honeycomb is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To control these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation.
Habitat
Tagetes Patula Honeycomb is native to Mexico and Central America and is found in open fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas. The plant prefers warm and sunny conditions and can tolerate dry and poor soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Tagetes Patula Honeycomb be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are at least 15 cm deep and have good drainage.
Q: Can Tagetes Patula Honeycomb be used as a companion plant?
A: Yes, Tagetes Patula Honeycomb is a good companion plant for vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants as it repels nematodes and other soil-borne pests.
Q: How often should Tagetes Patula Honeycomb be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Q: How often should Tagetes Patula Honeycomb be watered?
A: The plant should be watered regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Tagetes Patula Honeycomb:
- Tagetes Erecta (African Marigold)
- Tagetes Tenuifolia (Signet Marigold)
- Tagetes Lucida (Mexican Tarragon)
References
- “Tagetes patula Honeycomb.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a302.
- “Tagetes patula.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 11 June 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagetes_patula.
