Top 10 Stunning Types of Marigolds You Need in Your Garden
Marigolds (Tagetes) are a type of annual and perennial plant. They come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. You can find them in three main types: African, French, and Signet.
These plants grow quickly and bloom from early summer to frost. They are great for keeping pests away and adding color to gardens and bouquets. But with so many beautiful marigold types, picking the right ones can be hard. Let’s look at the top 10 most beautiful marigolds that will make your garden stand out.
Introduction to Marigolds
Marigolds are loved by gardeners and nature lovers for centuries. They come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. This makes them great for gardens, landscaping, and cooking. There are three main types: African, French, and Signet, each with its own special traits.
Diversity and Uses of Marigolds
Marigolds can grow well in many places and fight off pests and diseases. They’re good as garden companions, cut flowers, and for food and medicine3. For centuries, indigenous people in Central America have used marigolds in their culture and ceremonies. This adds to their deep history and meaning.
Categories of Marigolds
There are three main types of marigolds: African, French, and Signet. Each type has its own benefits for gardeners. African marigolds can be tall, with big flowers. French marigolds are shorter and have smaller flowers. Signet marigolds have fragrant leaves and are great for borders or edging.
African Marigolds (Tagetes erecta)
Characteristics and Varieties
African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are tall and elegant plants. They are perfect for making beautiful borders and adding height to your garden. These plants can grow up to three to four feet tall, standing taller than their French cousins. They are annuals that complete their life cycle in one season. They produce large, round flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and white.
Some popular varieties include ‘White Swan’, ‘Crackerjack’, ‘Inca’, ‘Coco Gold’, and ‘Jedi Orange’. These varieties come in colors from cream to bright orange and yellow. The ‘Perfection Yellow’ marigold grows 1 to 3 feet tall and spreads .5 to 1 feet wide. You should plant ‘Perfection Yellow’ marigolds 12 to 18 inches apart.
African marigolds are great for cut flowers because they last a long time. But, they are toxic if eaten. They belong to the Asteraceae family and love hot, dry places. They need well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. They need about one inch of water a week and bloom from summer to fall, doing best in full sun.
African marigolds are hardy in USDA zones 2 to 11 and rarely get pests. But, they can get attacked by Japanese beetles, red spider mites, slugs, and snails. Too much water can cause fungal infections.
Looking to brighten your garden or enjoy long-lasting cut flowers? African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are a great choice. With their beautiful colors and easy care, they will make any gardener happy.
“Tagetes erecta, also known as African marigold, Mexican marigold, or Aztec marigold, is native to Mexico and Guatemala.”
African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are versatile and beautiful additions to any garden. Their tall stature, vibrant colors, and great cut flower qualities make them a favorite. With many varieties to choose from, these marigolds will enhance your outdoor spaces.
French Marigolds (Tagetes patula)
French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are small, bushy plants with small, complex flowers in reds, oranges, and yellows. They are great for vegetable gardens and don’t get bothered by insects or diseases8. You can find popular varieties like ‘Court Jester’, ‘Alumia Vanilla Cream’, and ‘Strawberry Blonde’.
These plants can grow up to two feet tall and spread wide. They have big roots that help them grow well with little water, compost, or fertilizer. They also help reduce root-knot nematodes in the soil.
Some French marigolds like ‘Tashkent #1’ have a milder scent and unique colors. Planting them together helps keep nematodes away. They attract butterflies and beneficial insects to your garden.
French marigolds come in different types, like velvety semi-doubles and simple daisies. Some people think they keep away bad bugs, but others say they might attract spider mites.
You can find antique French marigold seeds at Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and Peace Seedlings. Growing them from seed is easy, and they often come back on their own.
French marigolds (Tagetes patula) grow 6 to 12 inches tall, with both double and single flowers. Marigold BigTop® Yellow was a top performer in 2020, and Marigold Big Duck Orange in 2019.
Conclusion
From the tall African marigolds to the bright French and Signet types, this article highlights 10 stunning marigold varieties. They can make your garden stand out. Whether you want to keep pests away, make beautiful flower arrangements, or just add color, these marigolds will impress.
Marigolds are easy to grow in many places, from cold Zone 2 to warm Zone 11. They come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. So, there’s a marigold for every gardener’s taste and garden style.
