Maragold Info Sheet

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between Marigold and African marigold?

  The two main species grown in home gardens are the French marigold (Tagetes patula) and the African marigold (Tagetes erecta). French marigolds are more compact in stature, with smaller flowers. African marigolds are much larger, with blooms up to 4 inches across. Marigold leaves are finely cut and fernlike.

• Where do Marigolds come from?

  Marigold is herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant originates from Mexico and South America. Cultivation of marigold started in 16th century, when Spanish explorers brought marigold from South America to Europe. Marigold requires full sun and well drained soil for successful growth and development.

• How do you grow African marigolds from seed?

  Start seed for African marigold cultivars indoors 8 weeks prior to planting outside. Alternately, once the soil has warmed and the danger of frost has passed, marigold seed can be sown directly into the garden. Plant the seed approximately ¼ inch deep and expect germination in 5 to 7 days.

• Do marigolds have male and female parts?

  Flowers contain both male (stamen) and female (pistil) reproductive organs. Cultivated varieties of marigold include multicolored plants and those with double flowerheads.

• Where do marigolds grow in the US?

  They are among several groups of plants known in English as marigolds. The genus Tagetes was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The plants are native to the Americas, growing naturally from the southwestern United States into South America, but some species have become naturalized around the world.

• What is a Marigold?

  Marigold are a cheerful, easy-to-grow annual plant with daisy- or carnation-like flowerheads that are produced singly or in clusters. Although there are some 50 species, most marigolds we see in the garden are one of the following:

• When can I start marigolds indoors?

  You can start seeds indoors, about 6 - 8 weeks before your last frost date, but it's not really worth it. Marigolds germinate quickly outdoors, when direct sown, and since the plants don't really start growing until the weather warms, the direct sown plants have time to catch up to the plants started indoors.

• Why grow marigolds in your vegetable garden?

  Here are 15 other reasons to grow these marigolds in your vegetable garden: 1. Marigolds Are Easy To Grow The first reason that marigolds are such a popular choice is that they are so easy to grow. Marigolds will grow in a wide range of soil types and conditions. All they really demand is plenty of sunlight.