Marigold
Tagetes spp.
Marigold Plant Features
Planting marigolds is like planting sunshine! These super-cheerful annual flowers are a snap to grow, offering nonstop bloom all summer long. The plants are virtually insect and disease free and come in a variety of flower types and heights. Taller African marigolds can grow 3 feet high and look amazing planted in beds by themselves or mixed with zinnias. Dwarf, compact French varieties grow about a foot tall, making them perfect for the edge of your flower bed or in pots and planters. Colors include yellow, orange, white, red or bi-color. The plants are highly prized by butterflies who feast on the nectar-rich blooms.
Marigolds are often planted in or around vegetable gardens to repel pests such as rabbits. While there's no scientific evidence saying this helps, marigolds do dress up an otherwise bland vegetable garden. And the bees, butterflies, and other pollinators they attract can help you get more yield from your vegetables.
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Marigold Growing Instructions
Natives of Mexico, marigolds prefer a hot, sunny garden location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun a day. They do best in a rich, well drained soil, but are tolerant of drought and high temperatures. Most varieties have a pungent scent, especially when the foliage is rubbed or brushed.
These plants are not recommended for human or animal consumption.
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Light
Outside: Sun
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Colors
Orange, Red, White, Yellow
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Water
Medium water needs
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Special Features
Attracts butterflies
Fragrant flowers/foliage
Complement your Marigold with these varieties:
Angelonia and Marigold look good together in a border or large container.
The gray-leaves of Dusty Miller and the bright yellow flowers of Marigold are a pretty combination all summer long.
Varieties: Our Favorites

Tagetes erecta 'Antigua Yellow'
Antigua Yellow African marigold is a big, bold variety that offers huge yellow flowers. It grows 30 inches tall and 18 inches wide.

Tagetes patula ‘Bonanza Orange’
This fabulous French marigold features large, double-crested flowers that bloom in a pure, intense, nearly vibrating orange. Plants grow 10 to 12 inches tall and 6 to 8 inches wide. ‘Bonanza Orange’ is stunning in a bed planted en masse.

Tagetes patula 'Janie Flame'
Offering a constant supply of bright orange-and-red flowers, Janie Flame French marigold is ideal for front yard and backyard gardens, as well as containers. It grows 10 inches tall and wide.

Tagetes patula 'Janie Gold'
Janie Gold French marigold shows off rich golden-yellow flowers that attract butterflies. It grows 10 inches tall and wide.

Tagetes erecta 'Proud Mari Gold'
Proud Mari Gold marigold offers extra-strong stems and large flowers on a tidy plant that grows 12 inches tall and wide.

Tagetes erecta 'Proud Mari Orange'
Proud Mari Orange marigold shows off large flowers on a compact plant perfect for the front of the border or container gardens. It reaches 12 inches tall and wide.