Appearance

Growth form

This branching annual usually grows 1–2 ft (0.3–0.6 m) tall.

Leaves

The alternate leaves are simple, slightly hairy, and oblong to spoon-shaped rather than divided into leaflets.

Flowers

Flower heads range from yellow and apricot to deep orange. Garden forms may be single or double.

Fruit

After flowering, it makes a ring of dry, curved fruits in several distinct shapes.

Look-alikes

African marigoldTagetes erecta

African marigold is usually more upright and has large, densely doubled flower heads above leaves divided into many narrow, toothed leaflets. Pot marigold has undivided leaves and has a visible center in single flowers.

Why they get mixed up · Both are common bedding plants with yellow or orange flower heads and marigold in the name.

French marigoldTagetes patula

French marigold is compact, often has red-marked flowers, and has finely divided leaves. Pot marigold has simple, undivided, oblong leaves.

Why they get mixed up · Both are low garden annuals with warm-colored flowers.

	Leaves	Flower heads
pot marigold	Simple, undivided	Yellow to orange; single or double
African marigold	Divided into leaflets	Often large and densely double
French marigold	Finely divided	Often smaller, with red markings

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• flower beds
• containers
• cottage gardens

Range

It is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely grown as a garden annual in the United States.

Preferred conditions

It performs best in full sun and well-drained soil during cool weather, and it often declines in hot, humid summers.

Growing it

Care

Sow or transplant it for spring or fall color, give it full sun and good drainage, and deadhead spent flowers to extend bloom.

Propagation

It is grown from seed and may reseed where conditions suit it.

Connected species

Pollinators

Open flower heads attract butterflies and other pollinating insects.

Pollinators

• bumble beesBombus

  A Wyoming high-tunnel study found bumble bees frequently visiting pot marigold flowers.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms

Cultivars include single and double flowers in yellow, orange, apricot, and reddish shades.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed