Huacatay originates from South America. It is a special variety of Tagetes (French marigold) that is mainly cultivated for its delicious-tasting leaves. It is also known as Stinking Roger, wild Marigold, Mexican Marigold, Wacatay, Chiquilla, Chilca and Khaki weed. The leaves have a distinctive flavour that is a blend of tarragon, mint, basil and a hint of citrus. In Peruvian and Bolivian cuisine, the leaves are widely used as a seasoning in various dishes such as sauces, stews, soups and salads. The leaves are also added to cocktails. The leaves can also be used to make tea. This tea can be used to treat colds and stomach complaints.
In our climate (the Netherlands and Belgium), this non hardy perennial is grown exclusively as an annual. However, under the right conditions, this plant can self-seed, making it possible to keep Huacatay in the garden for a longer period of time. Like other French marigold species, this plant also helps to combat harmful nematodes. According to some sources, this plant can also help to improve soil structure. The flowers of Huacatay are very small and white-yellow in colour. The flowers of Huacatay are also often used as decoration. Huacatay flowers from June to September. Non hardy perennial. Height: 180 - 200 cm.
Indoor sowing: April - May
Outdoor sowing: half May - June
Germination: 7 - 14 days
Germination temp.: 20 - 25 °C
Sowing depth: shallow - ½ cm
Distance between the rows: 30 cm
Planting distance: 30 - 35 cm
Plant position: sunny - well drained
Harvesting period leaf: July - October
Flowering period: June - September
From April onwards, seeds can be sown indoors in a warm room or in a propagator. The soil temperature must be at least 20 °C. It is important that the temperature remains as constant as possible, as this ensures better germination. Make sure that the temperature doesn't drop at night. A tray with moist sowing soil can be used for sowing. Because these seeds are very fine and thin, it is best to place them horizontally on the potting soil. Cover the seeds with a very thin layer of sieved sowing soil or, if necessary, with a thin layer of vermiculite. Huacatay is a light germinator. Keep the soil moist after sowing and during germination. Cover the tray with cling film or a lid.
Remove the cling film or lid as soon as the seedlings emerge. Transplant the young seedlings into separate larger pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. To make planting out in the garden easier, it is useful to place several young seedlings together in a separate pot. At the beginning of May, allow them to acclimatise to the outside temperature for a few days (10 - 14 days), avoiding frost. After this, they can be planted in their permanent place in the garden. Ensure a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Allow 30 - 35 cm of space.
From mid-May, when there is no longer any chance of night frost, seeds can also be sown directly in the ground in a prepared seedbed in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Sow thinly in rows 30 cm apart and cover the seeds with a very thin layer of sieved seed compost. Press down gently and then keep moist. When the young seedlings are large enough, thin out to 30 - 35 cm between plants. Keep moist and weed-free. Protect the young seedlings from slugs. The leaves and flowers of Huacatay are edible and can be used, for example, in tea or in all kinds of dishes.
