Start growing
Very easy from seed. Prefers full sun and consistent watering. Deadhead to prolong blooming.
GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL
Marigold
Tagetes patula
Your guide to planting, growing, and getting to know this plant.
THE PLANT NOTEBOOK
Marigold care, from seed onward.
- Botanical name
- Tagetes patula
- Common names
- French Marigold
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Genus
- Tagetes
- Species
- T. patula
Growing with your kit
The Seeds In A Cup® kit highlights 'Companion Planting' – teaching how Marigolds protect the garden from pests.
Propagation
By seed (very easy).
Seasonal growth & harvest
Fast-growing and prolific bloomer all season until the first frost.
Growing conditions
Sunny, warm tropical and sub-tropical regions.
Weather & tolerances
Highly heat tolerant.
Pests & plant health
Spider mites in dry weather.
Plant safety
Non-toxic; petals are edible.
Botanical features
A popular annual with fern-like foliage and aromatic yellow, orange, or maroon flowers.
Varieties
‘Durango’, ‘Bonanza’.
Garden & everyday uses
The 'Gardener’s Friend' for pest control. decorative borders. edible petals for salads
Native range & distribution
Native to Mexico and Guatemala (despite the name 'French').
Conservation
Abundant globally.
Name origins
From 'Mary's Gold', as it was once offered as a gift to the Virgin Mary.
History
Central to the 'Día de los Muertos' celebrations in Mexico, where they are used to guide spirits of the deceased.