Alphabetical Plant Listing

Marigold And Calendula Differences

French Marigold, African Marigold, Signet Marigold, Pot Marigold, Tagetes erecta, Tagetes patula, Tagetes tenuifolia, Calendula officinalis


People are often confused between Marigold and Calendula. Several reasons: they are both members of the daisy family, Asteraceae. They are both sun-loving plants with cheerful flowers in shades of yellow, orange, or white from summer to fall. Some of this confusion is also somewhat reinforced by the fact that Calendula is commonly known as Pot Marigold, English Marigold, or Scotch Marigold. However, it is not a true Marigold.

But while Marigolds share many similarities to Calendula, they are two very different plants and should not be substituted for each other. 

Main Marigold and Calendula differences

Calendula vs Marigold: Classification

  • Marigolds belong to the genus Tagetes which includes about 50 species and is native to South America, southwestern North America, and tropical America. 3 highly popular species are cultivated worldwide: Tagetes erecta (African Marigold, American Marigold, or Mexican Marigold), Tagetes patula (French Marigold), and Tagetes tenuifolia (Signet Marigold).
  • Calendula plants, most notably Calendula officinalis, belong to the genus Calendula which includes about 15 to 20 species and is native to Africa and Europe.

Calendula vs Marigold: Season

  • Marigolds are warm-season annuals. They bloom in late spring and continue until frost, assuming their blooms are regularly harvested.
  • Calendula plants are cool-season hardy annuals. They relish cooler temperatures and often sulk when summer sets in, especially in hot-weather areas. Blooming might decrease in the summer heat but will resume once temperatures cool down.

Guide Information

Plant Family Tagetes - Marigold, Calendula - Pot Marigold
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Tagetes - Marigold Compare All Calendula - Pot Marigold Great Plant Combination Ideas with Tagetes - Marigold Guides with Tagetes - Marigold Guides with Calendula - Pot Marigold

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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.

Guide Information

Plant Family Tagetes - Marigold, Calendula - Pot Marigold
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Tagetes - Marigold Compare All Calendula - Pot Marigold Great Plant Combination Ideas with Tagetes - Marigold Guides with Tagetes - Marigold Guides with Calendula - Pot Marigold

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