Marigold Flower Facts

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Overview

Marigolds are part of the combined aster/daisy family (Asteraceae/Compositae) and are botanically named Tagetes spp. They are a fast-growing annual and a good beginner plant.

Marigolds are easy-to-grow flowers. image by "Frosted Marigold" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: *Micky (Photos by Micky) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

Description

French marigolds bush out to 6 to 12 inches high, with 2 inch flowers. African marigolds (aka American marigolds) grow to 3 feet high. Triploid marigolds, a cross between French and African marigolds, have sterile, 3-inch wide flower heads. Colors are red, gold and yellow.

Growth

Plant marigolds in full sun and water if there are periods of drought. They can live in most any soil and are nearly effortless to grow. Good soil, compost and care ensure full and robust growth.

Hardiness

Marigolds die with the frost, so they prefer hardiness Zones 9 to 11.

Propagation

Propagate by sowing the very thin black seeds directly into the soil. Thin to a foot apart after the seedlings are about 1 to 2 inches tall.

Fun Fact

Tagetes lucida, known as Mexican tarragon, can be a substitute for French tarragon, a kitchen spice.

References

Floridata

Keywords: marigold, Tagetes, French marigolds

About this Author

T.M. Samuels has been a freelance writer since 1993. She has published works in "Arthritis Today," "Alabama Living" and "Mature Years," and is the author of a gardening book. Samuels studied pre-medicine at Berry College.

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