Marigolds 101
Marigolds are annual flowering plants belonging to the Asteraceae family. (Sunflowers and Daisies also belong to this family).
There are over 50 species of Marigolds!
Marigolds are one of the most popular flowers to plant in gardens, because they:
are beautiful
are fairly easy to grow
are fast-growing
are great companion plants
repel pests
attract pollinators
are edible
have medicinal benefits
“Marigolds are like the sun on the earth, bringing light and warmth to everything around them.”
-Author Unknown
3 Most Common Varieties
There are many varieties of this flower, but here are the most common.
African Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
That’s pronounced “tah-JEE-tees ee-RECK-tah”.
This variety is also known as Aztec Marigold or Mexican Marigold.
The blooms on this type of Marigold are typically large and plush, and taller than the other varieties. The color of the blooms are more commonly yellow and orange.
Despite their name, they are native to Mexico and Guatemala. They became known as African Marigolds because they were first brought to Europe via trade routes that passed through North Africa.
There are so many varieties with fun and interesting names, such as: Crackerjack, French Vanilla, and Jubilee.
French Marigold (Tagetes patula)
That’s pronounced “tah-JEE-tees PAT-yoo-luh”.
French Marigolds are more of a compact bushy plant and the blooms are typically more golden, orange or reddish in color.
Also native to Mexico, they became known as “French Marigolds” because of their popularity in France and French gardens.
Some fun-named varieties of this particular Tagetes: Bonanza, Super Hero, and Boy O Boy
Signet Marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia)
That’s pronounced “tuh-JEE-tees ten-yoo-iff-FOLE-lee-uh”.
These delicate multi colored blooms look more like daisies, and are smaller than African or French Marigolds.
This variety is also native to Mexico, as well as Central America, Colombia, and Peru.
The Signet Marigold is the most aromatic of the bunch, boasting varieties such as: Tangerine Gem, Lemon Gem and Starfire.
Marigold vs. Calendula
While Marigold and Calendula flowers are similar in appearance, and both belong to the same family, they each have unique characteristics/benefits. Here are some of the basic differences:
Marigold is of the genus Tagetes - Calendula is of the genus Calendula.
Marigold is native to Americas - Calendula is native to Africa and Europe
Marigold is a warm season annual - Calendula is a cool season annual.
Marigold flowers look more like pompons - Calendula flowers look more like daisies.
Marigold seeds look like little porcupine quills - Calendula seeds look like little worms.
Marigold flowers can have a pungent odor - Calendula flowers have a pleasant, floral odor.
Although some Marigold varieties are edible, Calendula flowers are more commonly used in cooking as they have a more pleasant taste.
Marigold
Calendula
Stay Curious!
Have we piqued your interest? We invite you to go down the proverbial rabbit hole for your own Marigold adventure! In under five minutes, you can take in a beautiful overview video of this multi-purpose plant produced by Encyclopedia Britannica.