Marigolds are among the easiest, most cheerful flowers you can grow, blooming non-stop from early summer until frost. Most belong to the genus Tagetes, though a couple of unrelated plants share the marigold name. Here are the main types of marigolds and what sets each apart.
How marigolds are grouped
True marigolds are grouped by species and size: compact French marigolds, tall African (or American) marigolds, and dainty Signet marigolds, plus triploid hybrids between the first two. The name “marigold” is also used for a couple of look-alikes from other genera, which we cover below.
The main types of marigolds
Here are the main types of marigolds you’ll find.
French Marigolds (Tagetes patula)
Compact and bushy, usually 6 to 18 inches tall, French marigolds are smothered in small single or double flowers in yellow, orange, red and mahogany bicolors. They’re perfect for edging, containers and as companion plants in the vegetable garden.
African / American Marigolds (Tagetes erecta)
The tallest marigolds, reaching 1 to 3 feet or more, African marigolds carry large, rounded, pom-pom blooms in bold yellows and oranges. They make a strong statement at the back of a border and are used in garlands and festivals.
Signet Marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia)
Signet marigolds have lacy, ferny foliage and masses of tiny single flowers with a citrusy scent. The small blooms are edible, making them popular for salads, and the plants spill beautifully over pots and bed edges.
Triploid Marigolds
Triploid marigolds are sterile hybrids between French and African types. Because they don’t set seed, they pour their energy into flowering, blooming exceptionally heavily and continuously even in hot weather.
Pot Marigold (Calendula)
The pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) is not a true Tagetes marigold but is commonly called one. It has flat, daisy-like orange and yellow flowers, thrives in cool weather, and its petals are edible and used in skincare.
Mexican Mint Marigold (Tagetes lucida)
This unusual marigold has small golden flowers and anise-scented leaves used as a tarragon substitute in cooking. It’s both an ornamental and a culinary herb.
How to choose the right marigold
Choose French marigolds for compact color in beds, pots and vegetable gardens; African marigolds for tall, bold pom-poms and cutting; signet marigolds for delicate, edible flowers and edging; and triploids for the heaviest, most heat-proof bloom. If you want cool-season color or edible petals, grow pot marigold (calendula) instead.
Caring for marigolds
All marigolds are wonderfully easy: give them full sun and well-drained soil, avoid over-feeding (which reduces flowers), and deadhead regularly for non-stop blooms. Sow seed after the last frost. See our how to grow marigolds guide.
Popular marigolds to grow
These popular named varieties represent the main marigold types:
- “Queen Sophia” — a French marigold with russet-and-gold double blooms
- “Crackerjack” — a tall African marigold mix of big gold and orange pom-poms
- “Lemon Gem” — a dainty, citrus-scented signet marigold with edible flowers
- “Zenith” series — heavy-blooming triploid marigolds that shrug off heat
- “Durango” series — compact French marigolds in a wide color range
- Calendula “Pacific Beauty” — a classic pot marigold for cool-season color
Marigold colors
True marigolds bloom in a warm palette of yellow, gold, orange, russet, red and creamy “white,” often with bicolor and striped patterns. Signet types add a citrusy fragrance and edible flowers, while pot marigold (calendula) brings similar sunny tones in cooler weather. Because marigolds flower so heavily and so easily from seed, they’re one of the most rewarding annuals for beginners and children alike.
Marigold types FAQs
What are the different types of marigolds?
The main types of true marigolds are French (Tagetes patula), African or American (Tagetes erecta), signet (Tagetes tenuifolia) and triploid hybrids. The name is also used for pot marigold (Calendula) and Mexican mint marigold (Tagetes lucida), which belong to other groups.
What is the difference between French and African marigolds?
French marigolds are compact, bushy plants under 18 inches with many small flowers, ideal for edging and pots. African (American) marigolds are much taller, 1 to 3 feet, with large pom-pom blooms, making them better for the back of a border and for cutting.
Are pot marigolds the same as regular marigolds?
No. Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) is a different plant that shares the marigold name. It has flat, daisy-like flowers, prefers cooler weather, and has edible petals, whereas true marigolds belong to the genus Tagetes.
Which marigolds are edible?
Signet marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia) have edible, citrus-flavored flowers popular in salads, and pot marigold (calendula) petals are widely used in cooking and skincare. Mexican mint marigold leaves are used as a tarragon substitute.
What are the best marigolds for a vegetable garden?
French marigolds are the classic companion plant for vegetable gardens, valued for their compact size and their reputation for helping deter certain pests, including root-knot nematodes in the soil.
Which marigolds bloom the most?
Triploid marigolds bloom the most heavily and continuously because they’re sterile and don’t put energy into setting seed. They also hold up better in summer heat than many other types.
See the marigold flower profile, the growing guide, and the October birth flower.