- Tagetes Erecta (a.k.a. Antigua Orange) is a highly popular, F1 hybrid dwarf variety of the Aztec Marigold that thrives exceptionally well in the challenging desert climates of southern Arizona - Native to Mexico and Central America, it thrives in well-drained, average soil. In the low desert , these plants demand full sun, consistent moisture, and afternoon shade during the scorching summer months - It is an important element of Dia de Muertos events in the fall