Tagetes (Marigold)

French Marigold, African Marigold, Aztec Marigold, American Marigold, Big Marigold, American Saffron, Signet Marigold, Slender leaf Marigold, Striped Mexican Marigold

Blooming their heart out in summer and fall, Tagetes (Marigolds) is a genus of annuals and perennials with showy single or double flowers in shades of orange, yellow, red, gold, white, and any combination of those colors. The strongly aromatic fern-like foliage repels pests such as deer or rabbits, making Marigolds great companion plants to other plants.

Marigolds belong to the aster family (Asteraceae), genus Tagetes, which includes about 50 species of Marigolds. However, only 3 species of annual Marigolds are widely cultivated worldwide.

Most Popular Annual Marigolds

Tagetes erecta (African Marigold, American Marigold, or Mexican Marigold): This is the tallest and most upright species of Marigold, towering up to 3-4 feet (90-120 cm). It boasts large, double, and pompon-like flowers, up to 5 in. across (12 cm), in shades of yellow, orange, and creamy white. Tagetes erecta is commonly known as the African Marigold, although it did not originate in Africa. It is called African Marigold because it was first imported to Europe through a trade route that passed through northwest Africa. These annual plants are native to Mexico and Central America. They are good for hot, dry garden conditions where other Marigolds might struggle.
Tagetes patula( French Marigold): French Marigolds are compact and bushy annuals, typically 6-12 inches tall and wide (15-30 cm), with semi-double, double or crested flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), in various combinations of reds, oranges, and yellows. Tagetes patula is commonly known as the French Marigold, but it did not originate in France. It is native to Mexico. It is adaptable to poor soils, heat, humidity, and especially drought. French Marigolds are reported to provide the greatest protection against a wide range of nematodes and are used in companion planting for many vegetable crops.
Tagetes tenuifolia (Signet Marigold): Signet Marigolds are compact annuals, reaching 12 in. in height and spread (30 cm), with a profusion of single, richly colored, small flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), which generously cover the finely divided lacy foliage. Native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Peru, their flowers have a pleasant lemon scent and are edible. They can be used in salads or teas.

Perennial Marigolds

Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon): Mexican Tarragon is an upright perennial growing up to 30 in. tall (75 cm) with finely toothed, linear, deep green aromatic leaves. It grows all spring and summer and produces a lavish display of small, single, bright golden flowers from late summer to fall. Mexican tarragon is a great plant to attract butterflies, bees, and birds to the garden while repelling many insects. Easy to grow and drought tolerant, this plant is used both for its medicinal properties and as a cooking herb. The leaves are used to add flavor to soups, egg, and meat dishes. The flowers are used to make teas that treat the common cold, intestinal gas, and diarrhea. Mexican Tarragon is native to Mexico and Central America and performs best in hardiness zones 9-11.
Tagetes lemmonii (Mexican Marigold): Mexican Marigold is a sprawling evergreen shrub growing up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) noted for its aromatic foliage and brightly colored flowers. In constant bloom during short-day seasons (fall, winter), with off blooms in other seasons, Mexican Marigold gets covered with bright golden daisy-like flowers adorned with darker yellow discs. Mexican Marigold is very aromatic, a simple brush past the plant will release its strong fragrance. The musky fragrance discourages deer, yet bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers. Mexican Marigold is native to southern Arizona and northern Mexico and performs best in hardiness zones 8-11.

Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold, English Marigold): This native of southern Europe is not a true Marigold and should not be confused with the Mexican genus (Tagetes). Its brightly colored flowers are edible and possess wound-healing and local anti-inflammatory properties. Pot Marigold is more commonly grown in the flower garden than as a culinary herb.

Guide Information

Hardiness	2 - 11
Heat Zones	1 - 12
Climate Zones	1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type	Annuals, Perennials
Genus	Tagetes
Exposure	Full Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall
Height	8" - 4' (20cm - 120cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics	Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance	Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil
Attracts	Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas	Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage

Tagetes erecta (African Marigold)

Tagetes patula (French Marigold)

Tagetes tenuifolia (Signet Marigold)

Marigold Basics

Marigolds are regarded as one of the easiest plants to grow.
Most Marigold varieties bloom reliably from late spring or early summer until hard frost in late fall.
Marigolds thrive in moderately fertile, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Some light afternoon shade is tolerated in hot summer areas. They are adaptable to poor soils, heat, humidity, and especially drought.
Marigolds work well as bedding plants in mixed borders, as edging plants, in patio containers, and some make excellent cut flowers.
Both African and French Marigolds produce alpha-terthienyl, a substance that suppresses nematodes (microscopic worms that attack the roots of plants), making them suitable for growing in vegetable gardens.
Marigold flowers attract beneficial insects that pollinate and help control bad bugs. Beneficial insects attracted to Marigolds include hoverflies, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps that prey on garden pests.
Marigolds naturally repel pests such as deer, rabbits, or mosquitoes since they find their odor offensive.
Marigolds are very low-maintenance once established. However, they need to be deadheaded to keep them blooming almost non-stop all summer until frost.
Marigolds have no serious pest or disease issues. However, despite their reputation for repelling pests, some insects are attracted to Marigolds. Keep an eye out for spider mites, slugs, leafminers, aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and caterpillars.

Tagetes lemmonii (Mexican Marigold)

Tagetes patula ‘Konstance’ (French Marigold)

Tagetes patula ‘Legion of Honor’ (French Marigold)

When to Plant Marigold Flowers

Spring through mid-summer is the best time to plant French Marigolds and Signet Marigolds.
The best time to plant African Marigolds is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. These Marigolds need more time to mature and bloom.
Marigolds can be direct seeded in the garden once soil temperatures reach 65°F (18°C).
Marigolds can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
Marigolds germinate quickly, sprouting within 5-8 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C) and blooming in about 8 weeks.

Where to Plant Marigold Flowers

Marigolds are heat-loving plants that thrive in zones 2 to 11.
Marigolds are easily grown in full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight daily) in moderately fertile, dry to moist, well-drained soils.
Some light afternoon shade prolongs their blooms in hot summer areas.
Tall Marigold varieties should be planted in locations sheltered from strong winds and heavy rains. These taller varieties may also require some light staking for support.
Marigolds are adaptable to poor soils, heat, humidity, and especially drought.
Marigolds work well as bedding plants in mixed borders, as edging plants, and in patio containers.
Thanks to their ability to suppress nematodes, attract bees and beneficial insects, and deter rabbits and deer from nibbling in your garden, they are suitable for growing in vegetable gardens. Marigolds are good companion plants for potatoes, tomatoes, basil, cucumbers, aubergines, squash, melons, asparagus, sweet corn, chilies, and peppers.
As a mosquito repellent, Marigolds are powerful. Plant them in containers on patios, porches, near entrances or seating areas where you want a mosquito-free zone.
Surrounding your Marigolds with a succession of flowers will reinforce the beauty of their blooms and extend the season of interest in your landscape. Some of the best Marigold companion flowers include Allium, Tickseed (coreopsis), Roses, Sage (Salvia), Bachelor Buttons (Centaurea), Lavender (Lavandula), and Geraniums.

Tagetes erecta Big Duck Gold F1 (African Marigold)

Tagetes patula ‘Fireball’ (French Marigold)

Tagetes patula ‘Safari Scarlet’ (French Marigold)

Caring for Marigold Flowers

Water and Moisture

Allow the soil to almost dry out between waterings. Water regularly in high heat or dry weather
Never water Marigolds from overhead as this could lead to powdery mildew issues. Always water at the base of the plant.
Spread mulch around the plant to keep moisture in and weeds out.
Once Marigolds have developed a good root system, they will be more drought-tolerant. However, they will produce more blooms if given weekly water.

Fertilizer

Marigolds do not need any fertilizer unless your soil is extremely poor.
A general-purpose fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be incorporated into the soil at the time of planting.
After planting, no extra fertilizer is necessary.
Too much fertilizer will cause the plant to produce fewer blooms as it devotes its energy to foliage growth.

Deadheading

Pinching back the early flower buds will help your Marigold to promote more branches and grow bushier. This will prevent the plant from becoming leggy and will encourage more blooms.
Marigolds do not require deadheading, but if the faded blossoms are removed, this will promote more blooms and extend the flowering season.
Deadhead faded flowers by pinching off (cutting) the flower head back to the nearest set of leaves.
Remove rotting flowers and keep the soil surface clean to prevent diseases.

Harvesting

Marigolds are an excellent choice for fresh bouquets and flower arrangements.
Harvest Marigold stems any time after the blooms are halfway open. Flowers will continue to open and develop thereafter.
Cut off the central stem almost at ground level, just above 3 to 4 side shoots.
Remove all foliage below the top set of leaves below the flower. Make the next cuts at the end of the stem being harvested. Place them immediately in water.
Marigold flowers last 10 to 20 days in a vase.
Marigolds can also be dried for long-lasting floral arrangements. Strip foliage from perfect blossoms and hang them upside down.

Recommended Companion Plants

Allium (Ornamental Onion)

Hardy Perennial Salvias (Sage)

Cosmos Flowers

Zinnia elegans (Zinnia)

Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)

Garden Examples

A Long-Lasting Summer Garden Idea with Marigold and Sage

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.