Types of Marigolds

Lora Penner
Apr 8
2 min read

Did you know that it gives many different types of marigolds? Some are the poofy round balls, some are singles, and some plants grow extremely tall.

Tagetes patula which are French marigolds.

Tagetes erecta which are African marigolds.

Tagetes tenuifolia which are signet marigolds.

Tagetes lucida which is known as sweet mace, Mexican tarragon, or Mexican mint marigold.

What's the difference between the types? French marigolds are the most popular and the easiest to find. They are typically between 6-12" tall and are compact busy plants. African marigolds get tall, like really tall! They often can reach heights up to 3-4' tall so they need to planted in the ground or in raised beds. Signet marigolds have single row of petals and pollinators love these plants. They also stay quite compact at 6" and the flowers are edible. Sweet mace can get up to 3' tall, but it all depends on soil type and growing conditions (hot summer vs cold summer). They also need full sun and the flowers are edible.

Growing marigolds: any plant that produces flowers will need full sun. Spacing: French Marigold: 8-12". Gem Marigold: 12". African Marigold: 12-18". They can be grown in containers and in the ground. Make sure to deadhead regularly to encourage the plants to keep blooming.

Marigolds		Height
Safarai	Tagetes patula	8-10”	Full sun French type	Yellow, scarlet, tangerine, and reds.
Orange Flame	Tagetes patula	12”	Full sun Dwarf French type	Orange pom pom with red petals
Bambino	Tagetes patula	10”	Full sun	Little flowers in tangerine with lemon stripes
Gem	Tagetes tenuifolia	12”	Deadhead regularly	Edible flowers Red and tangerine
Tall Marigold	Tagetes erecta	36”	Full sun Deadhead regularly African marigolds	Orange large flowers