Description

Marigold ‘Huacatay’, also known as ‘Peruvian Wild’ or ‘Stinking Roger’, is a native of Peru. It can grow in excess of 2 metres tall. The plant is grown for leaves rather than flowers, which are small and white. The highly scented leaves can be used as a seasoning, either fresh or dried. This variety is traditionally used in Peruvian cooking with potatoes. The leaves make a refreshing herbal tea.
This variety is the best of all marigolds to use as a fumigant to kill nematodes in soil. Grow several plants to about knee high, chop down and turn into the soil. When chopped, the leaves emit a substance which is toxic to harmful nematodes.