Appearance

Growth form

This compact, bushy annual is usually 6–12 in (15–30 cm) tall and 6–18 in (15–46 cm) wide.

Leaves

The divided leaves have narrow, toothed leaflets and a noticeable scent when handled.

Flowers

Flower heads are about 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) wide and may be yellow, orange, red, mahogany, or bicolored. Garden varieties include single, semidouble, double, and crested flowers.

Fruit

Spent flower heads produce slender, dark seeds.

Look-alikes

African marigoldTagetes erecta

African marigold is generally taller at 1–4 ft (0.3–1.2 m) and carries larger 2–6 in (5–15 cm) flower heads. French marigold is usually a compact 6–12 in (15–30 cm) plant with 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) flowers.

Why they get mixed up · Both are commonly sold marigolds with scented, divided leaves and yellow or orange flowers.

Pot marigoldCalendula officinalis

Pot marigold has broad, undivided leaves. French marigold has leaves divided into several narrow, toothed leaflets.

Why they get mixed up · Both have yellow or orange blooms, and both may be called marigolds.

	Height	Flower heads	Leaves	Name and family
French marigold	Usually 6–12 in (15–30 cm)	About 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm); often multicolored	Divided into narrow leaflets	Tagetes; aster family
African marigold	Usually 1–4 ft (0.3–1.2 m)	About 2–6 in (5–15 cm); often rounded and double	Divided into narrow lobes	Tagetes; aster family
Pot marigold	Usually 1–2 ft (0.3–0.6 m)	About 3–4 in (8–10 cm); flatter heads	Broad, undivided leaves	Calendula; also in the aster family

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• flower beds
• containers and borders
• sunny gardens

Range

It is native to Mexico and Guatemala and is widely grown as an ornamental annual in the United States.

Preferred conditions

It grows best in full sun to light shade with evenly moist, well-drained soil. Established plants tolerate some drought.

Growing it

Propagation

Grow it from seed after frost danger has passed, or start seed indoors before the last frost.

Toxicity

It is only mildly toxic. Sap on broken skin followed by sunlight can cause redness, burning, or blisters, and the scent may irritate the eyes or nose.

Name and classification

About the name

Some classifications include French marigold in African marigold (Tagetes erecta).

Varieties and forms

Garden selections range from compact plants to larger forms and include single, semidouble, double, and crested flowers in yellow, orange, red, and mixed colors.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories

• Despite its name, French marigold is native to Mexico and Guatemala.