Photo: Ruff tuff cream puffCC0via Wikimedia Commons
Tagetes sororia Plant Care
Tagetes nelsonii Greenm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to Mexico, this plant boasts striking dark green foliage with serrated edges, making it a standout in any garden. Plant collectors are drawn to Tagetes nelsonii for its unique and attractive maroon-colored flowers that bloom in clusters, adding a pop of color to any landscape.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Tagetes sororia?
Water Tagetes sororia every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 3 months during the growing season.
What Is the Tagetes sororia?
Tagetes sororia (Tagetes nelsonii) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Tagetes genus. Tagetes sororia is native to Guatemala and to the State of Chiapas in southern Mexico.
Tagetes sororia displays a bushy annual growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Tagetes sororia produces bright, daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tagetes sororia?
Tagetes nelsonii requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tagetes sororia Need?
Tagetes sororia thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tagetes sororia Prefer?
Tagetes nelsonii grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Tagetes sororia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tagetes sororia?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Tagetes sororia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tagetes sororia?
Feed Tagetes sororia every 3 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 3 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Tagetes sororia?
Annual repotting in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Tagetes sororia?
Tagetes sororia can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to marigold plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tagetes sororia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tagetes sororia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tagetes sororia?
Tagetes sororia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tagetes sororia Need?
Tagetes sororia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Tagetes sororia is native to Guatemala and to the State of Chiapas in southern Mexico.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Tagetes sororia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Tagetes genus — compare its care with other Tagetes species on PlantoScan.
Tagetes is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Tagetes sororia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Tagetes Species
Other Tagetes species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tagetes nelsonii Greenm., family Asteraceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 39: 117 (1903)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tagetes sororia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Ruff tuff cream puff, CC0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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