French marigold is a compact bushy annual in the aster family (Asteraceae) and native to Mexico and Guatemala. It is 6 to 12 inches high and 6 to 18 inches wide. The species epithet is Latin for “spreading.” French marigold prefers full sun to partial shade in average, well-drained, evenly moist soil. It is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established. The flowers, which come in various combinations of reds, oranges and yellows and may be single, semi or fully double blooms, will bloom from spring into fall if kept deadheaded. The flowers and foliage are fragrant and may be used to deter insects in the garden. If planted with vegetables as a pest deterrent, chop up the plant once it is killed by frost and work it into the soil to help deter nematodes. French marigolds are great for beds, containers or as an edging plant in borders. It will attract pollinators to the garden and is a good addition to a butterfly, cutting, drought-tolerant, edible or children’s garden. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: It can be susceptible to powdery mildew, botrytis, leaf spot and rots. Spider mites and thrips may also be a problem. Some cultivars have shown good resistance to abiotic disorders. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Tagetes .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
1-2 inch wide flower heads are single, semi or fully double, or crested blooms that come in various color combinations of yellows, reds, and oranges.
Bloom time
Fall; Spring; Summer
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Mexico, Guatamala
Wildlife value
Deer Resistant
Attracts
Butterflies
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Leaves; Flowers
Edibility
Flowers are used to make refreshing drinks and the leaves are used for flavoring.
Uses (ethnobotany)
The plant is used in herbal medicine. The scent of foliage deters insects, roots exude a chemical that repels soil nematodes. The flowers can be used as a yellow dye.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Houseplants; Patio; Pool/Hardscape; Recreational Play Area
Landscape theme
Butterfly Garden; Children's Garden; Cutting Garden; Drought Tolerant Garden; Edible Garden; Fairy Garden; Garden for the Blind