Tagetes erecta, commonly known as African marigold or Aztec marigold, is a robust warm-season annual that typically grows 12 to 36 inches tall, though some well-developed cultivars can reach nearly 4 feet in height, forming a strong, upright presence in garden beds. The plant spreads 12 to 18 inches wide, developing a bushy, branching habit with sturdy, angular stems that support its large, showy blooms. Leaves are pinnately divided and aromatic, usually measuring 4 to 8 inches long, with individual leaflets about 1 to 2 inches long and finely serrated along the edges. The striking, fully double flower heads are borne singly atop thick stems rising above the foliage, each bloom measuring approximately 3 to 5 inches across, creating a rounded, globe-like appearance. Flower stems themselves may extend 6 to 12 inches above the main foliage mass, making the blooms highly visible. The fibrous root system generally penetrates 8 to 12 inches into the soil, providing stability for the plant’s substantial top growth. When planted in groups, individual plants spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart will fill in to form a dense, colorful mass spanning several feet across. Flowering continues from late spring until the first frost, with spent blooms developing into slender seed heads roughly ½ to 1 inch long, containing numerous narrow seeds. Overall, Tagetes erecta presents a bold, structured form with substantial height, broad spread, and oversized blossoms that make it particularly effective for borders, cutting gardens, and large seasonal displays.