Nice pic. Looks like marigolds, amirite? The only drawback I’ve experienced with marigolds is spider mites. Any tips on how to either prevent them in the first place, or to quickly send them straight to Spider-Mite Heaven?
Those evil things destroyed several of my rosemary plants too, a couple years back. Not fond of them at all.
I think you’re in a warmer Zone than me. I’ve never had Spider Mites on my Marigolds up here (Zone 5a) and they’re supposedly a ‘sacrificial plant’ that is used to lure Spider Mites in to keep them off of other plants, mainly tomatoes.
However, here are some things they say to do if you get them:
https://seedsandgrain.com/spider-mites-on-marigolds/
There are several organic concentrates or extracts that are good for gardens and around the house and can be used indoors. Also useful for things around (literally) the house like ants, mosquitos and for the perimeter of the house for pets like fleas. Also for a double whammy one might use chrysanthemum flower varieties (check local availability or buy effective seeds and are perennial) will help. Most of these 'organic' pesticides are made from chrysanthemum extracts or synthetic products, again check the product. Neem oil is OK but not useful in bigger plants, messy, and does not last very long.
I had an indoor Meyer lemon tree with spider mites all over it, didn't notice them until most of the leaves and blossoms fell off - yes, aphids too were hiding and likely did the most damage. I probably brought them in on something else, being winter there a few ways: Put plants in a garbage bag and whisk them into the garage for treatment (above 32°) or in my case put them right in front of a sliding glass door on the threshold and quickly blast/rotate them, best of luck!
Maybe a non-standard(French Marigold) variety?
https://www.rareseeds.com/marigold-crackerjack-mix
Grows to 3, 4, 5 feet tall. Baker Creek used to have more wilder type marigolds. Now they have mostly the familiar French ornamental types.
I’ve got some marigold seeds from last year called Sweet Mace or Mexican Mint or Mexican Tarragon. An edible with licorice scent/flavor. https://www.johnnyseeds.com/herbs/mexican-mint-marigold/mexican-mint-marigold-herb-seed-2273.html
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tagetes-lucida/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagetes (Marigold)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagetes_patula (French Marigold)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagetes_lucida (Mexican marigold, Mexican mint marigold, Mexican tarragon, sweet mace, Texas tarragon)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagetes_minuta (wild marigold)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagetes_erecta (African/Aztec marigold)
They’re perennial shrubs in Central/South America.