Mexican Mint Marigold Propagation

Cuttings in Water

• Mexican mint marigold cuttings will readily produce roots if placed in water. Fill a small jar with water. Take a 4- to 5-inch cutting from a non-flowering plant stem, remove the bottom leaves and place the cutting in water. Keep the cutting jar in gentle light until it develops a sizable root system, then plant the herb in a pot or directly in the ground if it is early in the growing season.

Cuttings in Rooting Medium

• Mexican mint marigolds are propagated with a high degree of success by placing cuttings in a rooting medium. Collect a tip cutting about 4 inches long with the cut made directly below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem and, if desired, dip the stems in a rooting hormone. Place the stems in a suitable rooting medium like a half-sand, half-peat moss mixture. Keep cuttings moist but not saturated and provide the cuttings with plenty of light. Stems should root in about a month.

Propagation by Seed

• In cooler regions, seeds can be started indoors six weeks before the last frost. Under ideal germination conditions, including adequate moisture and a temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, germination takes two to three weeks. Seeds can be sown directly onto the ground in spring once nighttime air temperatures remain above 50 degrees.

Root Division

• Mexican mint marigolds can be propagated vegetatively by root division. Dig up the existing clump of Mexican mint marigold in early spring or fall, divide the plant's root mass by hand or with a spade and transplant it into the ground or a pot immediately. Cut off the top third of the plant to account for the root loss and water the plants well.