This aromatic herbaceous perennial is known for its fine, fern-like foliage. To encourage bushiness and delay blooming in tagetes filifolia, pinch out the tips of young shoots. Cut back by one-third in late spring to prevent legginess. After flowering, prune lightly to shape and remove spent blooms, enhancing appearance and vigor. The optimal pruning times are spring, summer, and early fall. Pruning is crucial for maintaining compact growth and preventing over-seeding, ensuring tagetes filifolia remains a garden highlight.
Pruning techniques