When exploring the diverse world of garden flowers, types of marigolds stand out for their vibrant colors and versatile forms. Among the many marigold varieties, you’ll find an impressive array of shapes and hues that can transform any garden into a vivid display of floral beauty.
From the classic golden blooms of the French marigold to the bold, exotic shades of African marigolds, each type offers unique characteristics that cater to different gardening needs and aesthetic preferences.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newcomer, understanding these types of marigolds will help you choose the perfect blooms to enhance your outdoor space.
Different Types of Marigolds
Fiesta
With its ruffled orange and scarlet blossoms, the Tagetes patula cultivar “Fiesta” emanates the intensity of a flamenco dancer. Compact plants grow to only 12 inches tall, with each two-inch blossom bursting with color.
‘Fiesta’ is a great way to liven up any garden, giving color and drama to flower beds and containers. ‘Fiesta’ will draw attention and brighten up any outside area with its vibrant, blazing appearance.
Golden Guardian
A cultivar of Tagetes patula called “Golden Guardian” is well-known for its capacity to repel root-knot nematodes, which makes it a great option for companion planting, particularly when combined with tomato crops. Pollinator-friendly solitary golden blooms with monotone petals and centers are produced by this marigold.
The bushy plants that grow up to two feet tall support the two-inch blossoms. ‘Golden Guardian’ is a pest-repelling plant that is also highly resistant to Alternaria leaf spot, making it a useful and attractive addition to any garden.
Harmony
A lovely cultivar of Tagetes patula, ‘Harmony’ has two-inch blooms that are ruffled and have vivid orange and red hues. ‘Harmony’ is ideal for the front row of flower beds or borders because these vibrantly colored flowers are grown on compact, miniature plants that are only eight inches tall.
Its warm, luminous petals complement taller plants like purple salvia and work nicely with summer blossoms. This little variety would look great in containers or small garden areas, adding a pop of vibrant color.
Hawaii
‘Hawaii’ is the ideal Tagetes erecta cultivar to add color to your garden if you’re yearning for a little tropical flair without having to leave your house. Massive, ruffled orange blooms that can reach five inches in width adorn this African marigold, lending the plant a vivid, tropical appearance.
Standing three feet tall, ‘Hawaii’ is a striking plant that looks well interplanted with tomatoes and peppers. This huge and vivacious species, available in various package sizes from Eden Brothers, will add a touch of exotic flair to your garden.
Ildkongen
Do you want to make a floral king or queen in your yard? One of the leading candidates is “fire king,” or “Ildkongen.” Pollinators are drawn to this cultivar of Tagetes patula, an heirloom from Denmark, which features a vivid blend of mottled oranges and reds on single blooms.
Growing up to four feet high, ‘Ildkongen’ is unusually tall for a French marigold, making it a real feature in any garden. For those looking for an imposing floral presence, this is a regal option with its striking colors and great height.
Kilimanjaro White
Motivated by the snow-capped summits of Mount Kilimanjaro, the beautiful cultivar Tagetes erecta ‘Kilimanjaro White’ has unusual creamy white blossoms. These medium-sized plants, which grow to a height of 18 inches, sustain the double blossoms, which can reach up to 2.5 inches in width.
For a cool garden arrangement, combine the delicate white flowers with blue partners like bachelor’s buttons. “Kilimanjaro White” adds a hint of refinement and cold tones to summer beds.
Legion of Honor
The renowned Tagetes patula heritage cultivar “Legion of Honor” bears the name of the esteemed French order of distinction. This French marigold has lovely bicolored flowers that mimic the famous design of the medal, with burgundy petals bordered with yellow.
‘Legion of Honor’ is a compact and pollinator-friendly option that grows to a height of just 12 inches, making it perfect for interplanting with crops like cauliflower. Any garden setting gains a sense of respect and elegance from its delicate, bright blossoms.
Lemon and Tangerine Gems
Tagetes tenuifolia, also known as signet marigolds, are a beautiful assortment featured in the ‘Lemon and Tangerine Gems’ series. These marigolds are ideal for adding a pop of color to your summer garden.
These cultivars, which have half-inch to one-inch broad single flowers, are colorful in yellow, red, and orange. Some of the kinds that are available include “Lemon,” “Tangerine,” and “Paprika.”
Some of the greatest edible marigolds are produced by small plants that reach a height of eight to twelve inches. These happy flowers provide flavor and beauty to any garden, making them a treasure.
Lemon Drop
Do you want something zesty and sweet? Meet the beautiful ‘Lemon Drop,’ a cultivar of Tagetes patula with vibrant double blooms. Small, gently ruffled yellow petals, approximately an inch across, are the hallmark of this French marigold.
‘Lemon Drop’ is a charming addition to a child’s garden or garden walks, with its tiny plants growing about six to twelve inches tall. Let this zesty tiny flower take the place of the candy.
Mandarin
‘Mandarin’ is a great addition to a garden with a citrus theme if you’ve been dreaming of having one but live in an area too cold for real citrus trees. This cultivar of Tagetes erecta has globe-shaped double blooms that are one and a half to two and a half inches wide and with fluttering orange petals.
Grown on 20-inch-tall mid-sized plants, ‘Mandarin’ pairs well with low-growing sweet alyssum, either white or purple.
Mary Helen
‘Mary Helen’ is a great addition to your flower patch if you want to capture the essence of summertime sun in your yard. This variety of Tagetes erecta has vivid double yellow blooms that have a unique puff-ball form. The blooms can grow up to 36 inches tall on tall plants.
Although ‘Crackerjack’ and ‘Mary Helen’ have comparable flower forms and heights, ‘Mary Helen’ produces somewhat smaller blooms that are between one and a half and two inches broad. Its vivid yellow blossoms provide your landscape a sunshine touch by standing out against the blue asters.
Mexican Tarragon
Tagetes lucida, often known as Mexican tarragon, is a plant with many culinary and medicinal uses in addition to its aesthetic value in gardens. Also known as “sweet mace,” “Spanish tarragon,” “Texas tarragon,” and “Mexican mint marigold,” this adaptable plant has fragrant, smooth-leaved leaves that smell like anise.
The bushy plants reach two or three feet in height, and are contrasted with tiny yellow blossoms that are half an inch broad. Mexican tarragon grows well as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11, making it perfect for edible herb gardens.
Moonlight
The allure of “Moonlight” in your garden can be enjoyed without moonlight. At about 14 inches tall, the medium-sized plants of this Tagetes erecta cultivar are compact, yet they produce big, yellow, double flowers that can reach up to three inches in width.
The vivid white blossoms are ideal for combining with decorative alliums to produce an eye-catching juxtaposition of hues and forms. “Moonlight” adds a hint of sunshine to your indoor arrangements and is a great option for a cut flower garden.
Naughty Marietta
“Naughty Marietta” may have a naughty moniker, but she is a sweet addition to any garden. With bicolor blooms that are more gold than “Legion of Honor,” this Tagetes patula cultivar offers beautiful pairs of flowers with gold petals and red centers.
For a complementing effect, try pairing “Naughty Marietta” with the deep, brownish-red tones of chocolate cosmic. It is easy for pollinators to reach the open, single blooms, which are between 1.5 and 2 inches across. Compact plants grow to a height of eight to twelve inches.
Nosento Limegreen
For those who love marigolds but would rather have a softer scent, “Nosento Limegreen” is the ideal option. This African marigold is almost odorless and has eye-catching two- to three-inch-wide blooms that range in color from lemon-lime to pastel yellow.
The hybrid cultivar “Nosento Limegreen” grows on sturdy plants that are 24 to 32 inches tall and features double blooms with tight centers. It’s the perfect complement for anyone looking to lessen overpowering floral scents or add green-hued blooms to a landscape.
Orange Flame
The bicolor red and orange blooms of “Orange Flame” have the vivid flare of a warm fire in your eyes. This cultivar of T. patula has a fluffy golden-orange core surrounded by a ring of deep red petals.
‘Orange Flame,’ a dwarf marigold, is a remarkable addition to any garden since it grows on little, mounding plants that are only 12 inches tall.
Phyllis
Searching for something different to include in your yearly beds? ‘Phyllis’s’ unique appearance is guaranteed to draw attention. This variety of African marigold has blooms that resemble chrysanthemums, as opposed to the usual ruffled or puff-ball blooms.
“Phyllis” produces double blooms that are three inches across and have slender yellow petals. Also called “Mum Yellow,” it grows on plants that are two feet tall. Combine “Phyllis” with ageratum’s beautiful blue blossoms to create a visually arresting late-summer arrangement.
Spun Orange
“Spun Orange” is an African marigold that resembles a chrysanthemum in appearance, much like “Phyllis.” Plants up to 20 inches tall display their slender, delicate petals that give rise to beautiful orange double blooms.
“Spun Orange” is a wonderful addition to a cottage garden, where it looks well combined with hollyhocks and cosmos for a nostalgic, bright show. The flowers are brilliant and textural.
Strawberry Blonde
With its gentle, pastel color scheme, “Strawberry Blonde” sticks out in a world of marigolds where vivid hues predominate. Delicate colors of pink, rose, and yellow adorn the double, two-inch flowers of this French marigold variety.
The adorable flowers are produced on small, dwarf plants that are barely eight to ten inches tall. Combine “Strawberry Blonde” with subdued strawflowers and Cosmos to create a garden display with a nostalgic feel.
Tangerine
Similar to the citrus-inspired ‘Mandarin,’ ‘Tangerine’ is a French marigold with its own vibrant flair. Unlike ‘Mandarin,’ which has a globular flower head, ‘Tangerine’ features flatter, more open blooms with broader petals.
This T. patula cultivar is slightly more compact, growing to just 12 inches tall, with blooms measuring two to two and a half inches wide. For striking contrast, pair the bright orange flowers of ‘Tangerine’ with lilac-hued summer snapdragons.
Queen Sophia
‘Queen Sophia,’ a French marigold cultivar named for the Spanish royal, has beautiful bronze-gold flowers that turn reddish-gold as they age and have gilded edges. The double blooms, which are two to two and a half inches broad and ruffled, look stunning against the background of the garden.
Compact growing to 10 to 12 inches tall, this 1979 All-America Selections winner is a royal addition to any flower border, especially when combined with ground cover.
Red Cherry
Do you want to add a striking splash of crimson to your garden? Introducing “Red Cherry,” a beautiful French marigold with rich mahogany petals rimmed in gold and striking golden centers. Compact 12-inch plants hold gently ruffled one- to two-inch double flowers.
“Red Cherry” goes well with coreopsis or any other summer annual with a similar tone because of its rich hues that produce a striking contrast. Your flower beds and garden displays will look elegant with this gorgeous marigold added to them.
Red Metamorph
‘Red Metamorph,’ a French marigold bred by Alan Kapuler, is well known for its blooms that change color. Its petals change color in warm weather, revealing orange accents after starting off as ruby red with yellow centers.
The tall plants that reach 24 to 36 inches have solitary flowers that are 1.5 to 2 inches across. Combine “Red Metamorph” with vivid orange zinnias for a visually arresting summer arrangement that brings out its shifting colors. Any garden is given a dramatic touch by this unusual marigold.
Tiger Eyes
Look upon “Tiger Eyes” and let the double blossoms captivate your attention! The striking appearance of this French marigold is derived from its puffy orange centers surrounded by a ring of deep crimson petals.
The T. patula cultivar yields eye-catching two-inch flowers on little, 12-inch-tall plants. “Tiger Eyes” is a brilliant addition to any garden that will dazzle with its unusual and striking appearance.
Bambino
Measuring only 10 inches in height, the adorable dwarf type of Tagetes patula is called “Bambino.” Bright two-inch bicolored blooms with dazzling yellow and orange-striped petals are the hallmark of this French marigold. Unlike double blossoms, its single flowers are easily accessible to pollinators.
‘Bambino’ is a beautiful addition to any landscape, especially when placed in the front row of flower beds or containers. Its compact size and colorful appearance offer a joyful touch.
Bolero
A beautiful cultivar of Tagetes patula, ‘Bolero’ is named for its spectacular, ruffled double blooms. Golden petals are dipped in burgundy to create a distinctive pattern on each two-inch flower. This little French marigold, at about 12 inches tall, is ideal for growing among crops like lettuce or splashing bright color into garden beds.
“Bolero” will stand out in any outdoor setting thanks to its striking design, adding charm and intensity to your garden.
Brocade
Gorgeous two-inch blooms in rich tones of gold, orange, and deep red are the hallmark of the Tagetes patula cultivar “Brocade.” The blooms are softly ruffled. French marigolds lend warmth and grace to any garden with their vintage tapestry-like look.
Compact, growing to a height of 12 inches, ‘Brocade’ can cover flower beds with vivid, flamboyant colors. For gardeners wishing to add everlasting beauty to their environment, it stands out thanks to its warm, opulent colors.
Colossus Red Gold
The spectacular Tagetes patula cultivar “Colossus Red Gold” is well-known for its enormous, three-inch bicolor blooms. Its exquisitely gold-edged deep burgundy petals produce a striking visual impact.
This French marigold has enormous double blooms that make a powerful statement, despite its modest 12-inch height.
Mass planting “Colossus Red Gold” along borders is an excellent way to showcase its vibrant, rich colors and create a dramatic effect in any garden setting.
Court Jester
The lively Tagetes patula cultivar “Court Jester” is well-known for its two-inch, striped yellow and dark red blooms. At barely 12 inches tall, this heirloom French marigold is a great interplanter for low-growing crops like ground cherry or bok choy.
‘Court Jester’s’ vivid, dramatic flowers add a little humor and happiness to any garden. It is a pleasant addition to flower gardens or vegetable plots because of its brilliant colors and small size.
Crackerjack
A striking heirloom variety of Tagetes erecta, “Crackerjack” makes a dramatic visual statement in any garden. Massive, thickly petaled yellow or orange flowers, up to four inches across, resemble puff balls when produced by this African marigold.
‘Crackerjack’, which reaches a height of two to three feet, is ideal for forming a visually arresting background in flower beds, particularly when combined with purple asters. ‘Crackerjack’ is a prize-worthy addition to your landscape with its towering height and bright hues.
Daisy Wheel Lemon
A novel Tagetes patula cultivar known as “Daisy Wheel Lemon” has more in common with a daisy than a conventional marigold. Its large centers are encircled by frilly-edged pale yellow petals, giving it an attractive yet delicate appearance.
This tiny cultivar grows to barely 10 inches tall, making it perfect for flower beds or container gardening. Though it’s more widespread in the UK and Europe, ‘Daisy Wheel Lemon’s’ beautiful blossoms lend a charming touch to any landscape.
