An Ethnobotanical Perspective on Marigolds — Seattle’s Favorite Garden Store Since 1924 – Swansons Nursery

The Basics of Marigolds

Marigolds (genus Tagetes, part of the family Asteraceae) are native to the Americas, ranging from the southwestern United States down through Central America and as far south as Argentina. The center of diversity of marigold species is central Mexico. The three most common types of marigolds in cultivation are the French marigold (Tagetes patula), the African marigold (Tagetes erecta), and the Signet marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia). All three varieties are best grown in moderately fertile, well-draining soil in full sun. Marigolds grown in shadier locations or in denser, wetter soils will bloom less and are more prone to diseases like powdery mildew. While they are annual plants that die with freezing temperatures, they bloom profusely through the growing season—often all the way up until a frost.

The French marigold (Tagetes patula) is a compact species, typically growing between 8-12” in height. The flowers can be single or double and come in a wide variety of bright colors, including red, orange, yellow, and multi-color hybrids. Like other marigold species, T. patula has a distinctive pungent aroma, which arises from essential oils produced in the stems, leaves, and flowers.

The African marigold (Tagetes erecta) is larger than the French marigold, growing between 1-4’ depending on the cultivar. The flowers are also much larger than the French marigold, with a distinctive globular shape that come in shades of orange, yellow, and cream. The flowers, stems, and leaves are strongly scented.

The Signet marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia) has smaller flowers and leaves than the other marigold varieties, as well as a mounding habit. The flowers are single and usually come in yellow or orange. Signet marigolds lack the strong, pungent aroma of other marigolds, instead possessing a lighter scent more akin to citrus.