Marigold, a popular annual or perennial flower, is renowned for its bright and vibrant flowers, easy care, and ability to act as a natural pest repellent in gardens.
Blooming their heart out in summer and fall, Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are annuals or perennials with showy single or double flowers in vibrant shades of orange, yellow, red, gold, white, and various combinations of these colors. Their strongly aromatic, fern-like foliage naturally repels pests, making marigolds excellent companion plants for vegetables, herbs, or other flowering plants.
Marigolds belong to the aster family (Asteraceae), which includes other popular plants such as daisies, sunflowers, and asters. The genus Tagetes includes approximately 50 species; however, only three species are widely cultivated worldwide.
Tagetes erecta (African Marigold, American Marigold, or Mexican Marigold): The tallest species of marigold, growing up to 3-4 feet (90-120 cm), with large, double pom-pom-like flowers up to 5 inches across (12 cm). Its blooms come in shades of yellow, orange, and creamy white. Despite the name “African Marigold,” this species is native to Mexico and Central America. It’s ideal for hot, dry gardens where other marigolds might struggle.
Tagetes patula (French Marigold): French Marigolds are compact and bushy, growing 6-12 inches tall and wide (15-30 cm). They have semi-double, double, or crested flowers up to 2 inches across (5 cm) in various combinations of red, orange, and yellow. Although called French Marigolds, they are native to Mexico. They are adaptable to poor soil, heat, humidity, and drought. They’re especially effective against nematodes, making them excellent companions for vegetable crops.
Tagetes tenuifolia (Signet Marigold): This compact annual grows to 12 inches tall and wide (30 cm) and produces a profusion of single, small, richly colored flowers (1 inch across). Native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Peru, signet marigolds have finely divided lacy foliage and lemon-scented flowers that are edible. They can be used in salads and teas.
Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold, English Marigold): While not a true marigold, calendula is often confused with the Tagetes genus. Native to southern Europe, calendula is prized for its edible flowers and medicinal properties such as wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. It is more commonly grown as a garden ornamental rather than a culinary herb.
Hardiness |
2 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Plant Family | Asteraceae |
Genus | Tagetes |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
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, Clay Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Edging, Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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Hardiness |
2 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Plant Family | Asteraceae |
Genus | Tagetes |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
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, Clay Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Edging, Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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