Tagetes patula
Tagetes patula
French marigold
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Taxonomy
Family Asteraceae · Genus Tagetes
Description
Tagetes patula, the French marigold, is a cheerful, compact annual famed for nonstop blooms in sunny oranges, yellows, and reds. Easy to grow in beds, borders, and containers, it thrives in full sun, shrugs off heat, and helps deter garden pests—making it as practical as it is pretty.
Common Names
French marigolddwarf marigoldbedding marigold
Context
nativeRegion
Mexico and Central America
usdaZones
9–11 as a tender perennial; commonly grown as an annual in most zones.
companionPlants
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Roses
culturalUses
Popular bedding and container plant; used in companion planting to help suppress certain soil nematodes; edible petals for color/flavor in some cuisines (notably Georgian Imeretian saffron); also used for cut flowers and natural dyes.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (6+ hours); tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates.
WateringWater when the top inch of soil is dry. Keep evenly moist but never soggy; moderately drought-tolerant once established.
SoilWell-drained, moderately fertile soil; sandy or loamy mixes preferred; pH 6.0–7.0.
FertilizerLight feeder. Mix in slow-release fertilizer at planting or use a balanced, diluted feed monthly. Avoid excess nitrogen to prevent leafy growth over blooms.
HumidityAverage ambient humidity; provide airflow to reduce mildew in very humid conditions.
TemperatureWarm-season annual. Ideal 65–85°F (18–29°C); frost sensitive—protect below 50°F (10°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitCompact, bushy, mounded annual with finely divided, aromatic foliage.
Mature Size6–12 in tall and wide (15–30 cm), occasionally to 18 in depending on cultivar.
Growth RateFast-growing from seed to bloom in 6–8 weeks under warm conditions.
BloomingLate spring to frost; abundant single, semi-double, or double flowers in yellow, orange, and red bicolors.
DormancyNo true dormancy; killed by frost.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Softwood cuttings
DifficultyEasy by seed (most common); cuttings moderate.
Best SeasonSpring—sow after last frost outdoors or start indoors 4–6 weeks prior.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRegularly deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering; pinch young tips to encourage branching.
RepottingSeldom needed as it is typically grown as an annual. If container-grown, pot up once if rootbound early in the season.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally resilient. Possible issues: aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, slugs/snails; fungal problems like Botrytis, powdery mildew, and root rot in poor drainage.
ToxicityConsidered non-toxic to pets and people; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Sap can cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals.