6 Types of Marigold for Your Garden (with Pictures)
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The marigold plant does not just have a lovely name; it is also a beauty to behold. It belongs to the sunflower family, and there are about 56 species of marigold flower. The marigold is noted for its bright outburst of colors, making it a home gardener’s delight. It comes in orange, white, red, yellow, and gold, depending on the species.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance flower to brighten your garden, then the marigold is a great option. Because there are several species of marigold, you might get confused about the particular varieties to cultivate. This is why we have outlined some of our personal favorites. Read on to learn vital information about these types of marigold.
Overview of Marigolds
The marigold is an annual plant that is quite popular around the world. Its natural habitat is both North and South America. The marigold enjoys full sun and thrives very in high-temperature locations due to its country of origin. It has small petals that grow around the main stem from the center to the edge of the plant. Another reason why it is the farmer’s favorite is that it is long blooming. The flowers start to bloom at the beginning of summer and can remain in bloom until late fall.
The marigold flower will thrive in soil that is fertile and permeable. Due to the permeable nature of the soil, there is no need to water the marigold plant very frequently. A time frame of 2 to 3 days is great, except in cases of drought where the plant can be watered daily. In addition to making your environment beautiful, the marigold is very beneficial in the garden. It has a peculiar smell that most garden pests like ants, aphids, and moles abhor. The presence of a marigold flower in your garden can also improve the quality of the soil by preventing parasites from entering the soil.
| Genus: | Tagetes |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Genus: | Calendula |
The 6 Types of Marigold for Your Garden
1. Pot Marigold
| Color: | Yellow |
| Size: | 1–3 ft |
| Growth rate: | Fast |
| Light: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Bloom time: | 50–60 days |
The pot marigold is a part of the Asteraceae family. It is often mistaken for a daisy since it looks just like it. Its botanical name is Calendula Officinalis. In warmer climates, it exists as a perennial crop, while in cooler climates, it is an annual crop. Pot marigold is usually between 1 to 2 feet tall and needs well-drained soil to thrive.
Pot marigold is often grown for ornamental purposes. However, it is a popular ingredient in cosmetics and herbal products too.
2. Cottage Red Marigold
| Color: | Bright red |
| Size: | 30 inches tall |
| Growth rate: | Fast |
| Light: | Full sun |
| Bloom time: | 12 weeks |
The cottage red marigold is a very attractive flower. It is bright red and lined with yellow edges, has five well-shaped petals, and is colored gold at the center. The cottage red originated in Mexico. Like most marigold species, the cottage red enjoys a good dose of sunlight, and it prefers well-drained soils. It is about 30 inches tall when mature, and it takes about 12 weeks to bloom.
3. French Marigold
| Color: | Orange, red, and yellow |
| Size: | 6–12 inches tall |
| Growth rate: | Fast |
| Light: | Full sun, little shade |
| Bloom time: | 8 weeks |
The french marigold is very popular. It blooms in the fall and summer, and its most suitable temperature for growth is between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, the french marigold is very beautiful, flaunting its bright yellowish-orange color for all to see. It is scientifically known as Tagetes Patula. It grows between 8 to 36 inches tall. Contrary to what the name might imply, the french marigold is native to Central America and Mexico.
Because they grow fast and they are easy to care for, they are quite popular. Within 7 to 14 days of planting them, you should notice the flowers beginning to bloom. These plants bloom in all seasons except winter, and they can withstand drought. French marigolds also have applications in exquisite recipes and perfumes.
4. African Marigold
| Color: | Orange, red, white, and yellow |
| Size: | 1–3 ft |
| Growth rate: | Fast |
| Light: | Full sun |
| Bloom time: | 45–50 days |
This is another popular type of marigold that should be in your garden. It is scientifically known as Tagetes Erecta. African marigolds sprout quickly and can reach a height of 3 ft, easily towering above other types of marigolds. They are also called Aztec marigolds, and they are perfect for floral decorations and bouquets. They also love warm temperatures and thrive well in well-drained soils. They have a strong scent that rabbits and other small animals abhor, and therefore they can help keep these animals away from an environment.
They have a beautiful appearance and can be yellow, orange, white, or gold. The African marigold derived its other name Aztec marigold from its origin of use by the Aztecs. The Aztecs used them for decorations, dyes, and as medicine to treat several ailments, including cough, cold, stomach upset, sore throat, and hiccups.
5. Signet Marigold
| Color: | Yellow, orange, and red |
| Size: | 10–12 inches |
| Growth rate: | Fast |
| Light: | Full sun or partial sun |
| Bloom time: | 50–60 days |
This is scientifically called Tagetes Tenuifolia. The unique thing about the signet marigold is that it is edible. A lot of people add signet marigold to their salad to make it sweet. It is also added to a lot of recipes. They thrive well in moist soils and love a healthy share of sun. The flowers of the signet marigold are round and billowy, each breaking out into four or five petals.
Signet marigolds are a favorite for a lot of people. They are low-maintenance and have numerous applications in both the ornamental and the culinary world. They have a spicy tarragon flavor that makes them unique in dishes.
6. Triploid Hybrids
| Color: | Yellow, gold, copper, and red |
| Size: | 12–14 inches |
| Growth rate: | Very fast |
| Light: | Full Sun |
| Bloom time: | 40–45 days |
This species is a cross breed of American and French marigolds. Their flowers are large and strong enough to withstand challenging weather conditions. They have a low germination rate, which can make them a bit challenging to grow. They are often called mule marigolds because they do not reproduce. The triploid hybrids are very attractive and are usually red.
Because they do not set their seeds as they are maturing, their flowers tend to be longer than other marigold types, and this is an advantage. Also, cross-breeding enhances their adaptability to different climate conditions, making them a very sturdy plant.
Benefits of the Marigold Flower
Marigolds are widely cultivated around the world, and this is because of the many benefits that they offer.
1. Easy maintenance
The marigold flower is easy to maintain. With the right soil, it can withstand almost any climate and will thrive easily.
2. It has a lot of ornamental uses
Due to the attractiveness of the plant, it is used for a lot of decorative purposes.
3. Increases soil quality
Some species of marigold repel pests and insects. This keeps the soil healthy and produces high-quality plants.
4. It can be edible
Several species of the marigold flower are edible. They add a certain flavor to dishes that make them highly sought after.
5. Medicinal purposes
The marigold also finds application in health. It eases digestive problems, clears skin conditions, boosts immune systems, and treats infections.
Bottom Line
The marigold flower is multi-purpose and deserves a spot in your garden. They have been in use since the 12th century serving numerous purposes. Adding the marigold to your garden is a great choice!
Featured Image Credit: MarekKampka, Pixabay
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