Learn how to start a marigold from seed, plant a mature variety in your garden, and care and maintain this gorgeous bedding plant. Plus, discover which zones marigolds grow in and the three most popular marigold varieties—all of which are deer- and drought-resistant. Native throughout the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America, marigolds are low-maintenance flowers that thrive in hot weather, can handle drought and many pests — and may just become your garden’s new golden MVP!

Understanding the Context

Tagetes (/ tæˈdʒiːtiːz /) is a genus [2] of 50 species of annual or perennial, mostly herbaceous plants in the family Asteraceae. They are among several groups of plants known in English as marigolds. Marigold, a popular annual or perennial flower, is renowned for its bright and vibrant flowers, easy care, and ability to act as a natural pest repellent in gardens. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are among the most common and reliable of all bedding flowers.

Key Insights

These cheerful flowers with warm colors and fern-like foliage are true annuals, completing their life cycles in a single growing season. 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. Marigold, genus of about 50 species of annual herbs native to southwestern North America, tropical America, and South America. Several species are grown as garden ornamentals for their attractive flowers, and most marigolds have strong-scented leaves. Calendula officinalis is in the plant family known as Asteraceae or Compositae.

Final Thoughts

Calendula marigolds are yellow-orange in color and form small florets of petals that are harvested and dried for their numerous medicinal properties.