Marigolds are like a colorful symphony that brings joy and beauty to any garden. With over 31 different variations of this beloved flower, there’s a marigold for everyone. From French to African marigolds, each cultivar has its own unique qualities that make it stand out. Let’s dive into the world of marigolds and explore some of the best types available.
Bolero: Intense Beauty
Let’s start with ‘Bolero,’ a French marigold that exudes intensity and drama. Its ruffled, double blooms have gold petals dipped in burgundy. Each flower is unique, with its own distinct pattern. These compact plants reach a height of 12 inches, making them perfect for growing among your lettuce crop. ‘Bolero’ surely steals the scene. You can find seeds available at Eden Brothers.
Brocade: A Delicate Tapestry
With its warm colors and delicate appearance, ‘Brocade’ resembles an antique tapestry. Its French marigold blooms are delicately ruffled and come in shades of gold, orange, and deep red. These compact plants can be used to carpet a swath of your flower beds in rich, fiery color. Add a touch of ‘Brocade’ to your landscape by purchasing seeds from Eden Brothers.
Colossus Red Gold: The Visual Giant
While some plants loom large due to their height, ‘Colossus Red Gold’ catches the eye with its visual impact. This bicolor French marigold has deep burgundy petals gilded with gold. The double blooms, with large petals outlined in gold, can reach up to three inches wide. ‘Colossus Red Gold’ creates a colossal impact when mass planted in a border.
Court Jester: A Flower to Make You Smile
Who doesn’t need an extra reason to smile? ‘Court Jester’ is a French marigold that might even make you laugh. Its single, two-inch blooms have petals surprisingly striped in yellow and dark red. Compact and reaching just 12 inches tall, ‘Court Jester’ is an excellent choice to interplant between ground cherry or bok choy. Sow some visual fun with ‘Court Jester.’ Seeds are available at Eden Brothers.
Crackerjack: The Prize of Your Garden
When you include ‘Crackerjack’ in your garden, you won’t be wondering where the prize went. This African marigold is big and showy, with huge yellow or orange double blooms that resemble puff balls. The rounded blooms can reach up to four inches wide, beautifully held aloft on tall plants that grow to be two to three feet tall. ‘Crackerjack’ would be the perfect background for a patch of purple asters.
Daisy Wheel Lemon: More Like a Daisy
‘Daisy Wheel Lemon’ is a French marigold that looks exactly like its name suggests – more like a daisy than a marigold. This cultivar has frilly-edged petals surrounding broad centers, all in the same lovely hue of pale yellow. Compact and reaching just 10 inches tall, ‘Daisy Wheel Lemon’ is a lovely choice for container gardening. Currently more available in the UK and Europe, seeds can be found at Park Seed via Amazon.
Fiesta: Radiating Excitement
The fiery good looks of ‘Fiesta’ might remind you of the dress of a flamenco dancer. Its ruffled blooms come in orange and red, radiating excitement. This French marigold produces intensely colored two-inch blooms on small plants that grow to 12 inches in height. No need to get dressed up for this ‘Fiesta,’ this variety has ruffles to spare. You can find ‘Fiesta’ seeds available at Eden Brothers.
Golden Guardian: Repelling Nematodes
Are you looking for a marigold variety to help control root-knot nematodes? ‘Golden Guardian’ is your answer. This T. patula variety is touted as being particularly efficient at combating those garden pests. Its single flowers have monochromatic golden petals and centers, reaching two inches wide. Bushy plants grow to a height of two feet. ‘Golden Guardian’ also shows good resistance to Alternaria leaf spot, making it a great companion for tomato crops.
Harmony: Mottled Petals in Harmony
‘Marmony’ is a French marigold whose mottled petals glow in harmony with the summer sun. The ruffled two-inch blooms of this T. patula cultivar are intensely saturated in orange and red hues. These petite plants appreciate a front-row seat in your flower bed, perhaps tucked in front of some taller purple salvia. If the rich hues of ‘Harmony’ look perfect for your floral plans, seeds are available at Eden Brothers and True Leaf Market.
Hawaii: A Tropical Element for Your Landscape
Dreaming of a tropical getaway? ‘Hawaii’ is an African marigold that brings that tropical element to your landscape. It has giant, orange, double blooms that can reach up to five inches across. With ruffled petals and rounded heads, these flowers are displayed on three-foot-tall plants. ‘Hawaii’ holds its own when interplanted between tomatoes and peppers. You can find ‘Hawaii’ seeds available at Eden Brothers.
Ildkongen: The Flower King of the Garden
The flower king of the garden is none other than ‘Ildkongen,’ whose name means “fire king.” This Danish heritage variety is a cultivar of T. patula that displays a fiery mix of mottled oranges and reds on single blooms, making it an excellent choice for pollinators. With its unusual height of four feet, ‘Ildkongen’ certainly deserves a place of honor in any garden.
Kilimanjaro White: Blooms as Pure as Snow
Evoking the snowy peaks of a mountain, ‘Kilimanjaro White’ is an African marigold with rare creamy white blooms. These double blossoms are two and a half inches wide and held aloft on medium-sized plants that reach 18 inches tall. The creamy flowers of this variety would be lovely paired with a blue-hued companion, such as bachelor’s buttons. ‘Kilimanjaro White’ seeds are available at Botanical Interests.
Legion of Honor: A Medal-Worthy Flower
‘Legion of Honor’ is an heirloom cultivar of T. patula that graces its blooms with a pattern reminiscent of the five-armed medal bestowed by the renowned French order of merit. This French marigold has simple, pollinator-friendly, bicolored flowers with burgundy petals edged in yellow. The small plants grow up to 12 inches tall, making them ideal companions for cauliflower plants. Your garden is surely worthy of such a distinction. You can find ‘Legion of Honor’ seeds available at Eden Brothers.
Lemon and Tangerine Gems: Little Jewels in the Garden
‘Lemon and Tangerine Gems’ are cultivars of T. tenuifolia, also known as signet marigolds. These compact marigolds have small single flowers in shades of yellow, red, or orange. Growing to a height of eight to 12 inches, these marigolds are some of the best edible varieties. If you’d like to bring the jewel-like charm of these diminutive marigolds to your landscape, you’ll find them available at Botanical Interests.
Lemon Drop: Sweet and Zesty
Feast your eyes on ‘Lemon Drop,’ a French marigold that is sweet and zesty. This T. patula variety has small, yellow flowers delicately ruffled and about an inch wide. The compact plants of ‘Lemon Drop’ reach just six to 12 inches tall. With its small stature, ‘Lemon Drop’ can sweeten up your garden path or a child’s garden. You can find ‘Lemon Drop’ seeds available at Botanical Interests.
Mandarin: A Taste of Citrus
If you can’t grow citrus trees but love the idea of a citrusy garden theme, ‘Mandarin’ is the perfect choice. This African marigold has globe-shaped double blooms with flouncy, orange petals. Reaching 20 inches tall, ‘Mandarin’ would pair beautifully with low-growing purple or white sweet alyssum. To add some visual zing to your flower beds, ‘Mandarin’ seeds are available at Eden Brothers.
Mary Helen: Let the Sunshine In
If you want to see the summer sun echoed in your garden patch, ‘Mary Helen’ is the perfect choice. This T. erecta cultivar has double yellow flowers with a puff-ball shape, growing on tall plants that reach 36 inches in height. Similar to ‘Crackerjack’ in flower shape and height, ‘Mary Helen’ has smaller blooms that are one and a half to two inches wide. The round, yellow flower heads of this variety would contrast nicely with blue asters. Ready to let the sunshine in? You can find ‘Mary Helen’ seeds available at Eden Brothers.
Mexican Tarragon: More Than Just a Pretty Flower
Mexican tarragon, also known as “Mexican mint marigold” or “Spanish tarragon,” is more than just a pretty garden flower. It has a broad culinary and medicinal history. With smooth-leaved, fragrant foliage reminiscent of anise, Mexican tarragon’s single, yellow blooms are small but held on bushy plants that reach two to three feet tall. You can grow Mexican tarragon in an edible herb garden, treating it as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11. If you’re interested in trying out this multipurpose marigold, you can find Mexican mint seeds available at Botanical Interests.
Moonlight: Shining Bright in Your Garden
You don’t have to garden at night to catch a glimpse of ‘Moonlight’ in your backyard. This African marigold has big, yellow, double flowers that are three inches wide or more. Although it’s a large cultivar of T. erecta, ‘Moonlight’ reaches only 14 inches tall. Try combining ‘Moonlight’ with ornamental alliums for an appealing effect of complementary colors and echoing shapes. This variety is also a great selection for the cut flower garden. Enjoy ‘Moonlight’ day or night by purchasing seeds from Eden Brothers.
Naughty Marietta: Nice and Beautiful
Despite her indecorous reputation, ‘Naughty Marietta’ is quite nice and beautiful. This French marigold has bicolor flowers in gold with maroon centers. The petals stand out stunningly. Compact and reaching eight to 12 inches tall, ‘Naughty Marietta’ can make a striking pair with ‘Legion of Honor.’ Or, you could try pairing it with the rich, brownish-red hues of chocolate cosmos. ‘Naughty Marietta’ seeds are available at Botanical Interests.
Nosento Limegreen: A Scentless Wonder
If the strong smell of marigolds isn’t your cup of tea, ‘Nosento Limegreen’ is the perfect choice. This African marigold is practically scentless and has fascinating lemon-lime to pale yellow blooms. Its double flowers have tight centers and are held on plants that grow to be 24 to 32 inches tall. ‘Nosento Limegreen’ is a must-have for those who aren’t keen on the smell of marigolds, and it’s perfect for a bed of green flowers. You can find ‘Nosento Limegreen’ seeds available from David’s Garden Seeds via Amazon.
Orange Flame: Flickering Flames of Beauty
Viewed from the side, the bicolor red and orange flowers of ‘Orange Flame’ look like flickering flames of a warm fire. This double-flowered cultivar of T. patula has a ring of deep red petals surrounding a puffy, golden-orange center. This dwarf marigold grows on mounding plants that reach 12 inches tall. Cozy up to this floral “fire” by purchasing ‘Orange Flame’ seeds from Eden Brothers.
Phyllis: An Unusual Beauty
‘Phyllis’ is something truly unusual for your annual beds. This African marigold has blooms reminiscent of chrysanthemums. Its narrow yellow petals are held in three-inch-wide double blooms. Also known as ‘Mum Yellow,’ ‘Phyllis’ produces cheery flowers on two-foot-tall plants. Pair ‘Phyllis’ with the wispy blue flowers of ageratum, and you’ll have an enchanting combination. ‘Phyllis’ seeds are available at Botanical Interests.
Queen Sophia: The Regal Beauty
All hail the queen! ‘Queen Sophia’ is a French marigold named after the Spanish monarch known by the same name. Its flowers are bronze-gold, maturing to reddish-gold with gold edges. These gilded edges make each petal stand out stunningly. An All-America Selections winner in 1979, the double blooms of this T. patula cultivar have a ruffled appearance and are two to two and a half inches wide. Beautiful and compact, the plants reach 10 to 12 inches tall and would be lovely planted among your choice of flowering ground cover. Give your garden the royal treatment by purchasing ‘Queen Sophia’ seeds from Eden Brothers.
Red Cherry: A Gorgeous Splash of Color
If you’re looking for a gorgeous splash of deep red, ‘Red Cherry’ is the perfect choice. This French marigold has golden centers surrounded by mahogany-colored petals edged with gold. The one- to two-inch double blooms are delicately ruffled and held on compact, 12-inch plants. The mahogany and gold tones of ‘Red Cherry’ pair perfectly with another summer annual, coreopsis. This cultivar might be the finishing touch for your garden design. You can find ‘Red Cherry’ seeds available at Eden Brothers.
Red Metamorph: A Marigold Transformation
Bred by plant breeder Alan Kapuler, ‘Red Metamorph’ is a French marigold with transformative powers. Its blooms are ruby colored with yellow centers. But when the weather warms, splashes of orange can appear on new petals. ‘Red Metamorph’ has single flowers that are one and a half to two inches wide and are held on large plants that reach 24 to 36 inches tall. Witness this variety’s striking changes in your own garden by purchasing ‘Red Metamorph’ seeds from Botanical Interests.
Spun Orange: Mum-Like Petals
Similar to ‘Phyllis,’ ‘Spun Orange’ is an African marigold with mum-like petals. These medium-sized plants grow to 20 inches tall and hold bright orange double blossoms with narrow, delicate petals. ‘Spun Orange’ would be right at home mixed with cosmos and hollyhocks in an old-fashioned cottage garden. Who needs spun gold when you can have ‘Spun Orange’?
Strawberry Blonde: A Pastel Beauty
In a world of vibrant marigolds, ‘Strawberry Blonde’ stands out with its gentle and muted shades of pastel pink, rose, and yellow. This French marigold has double two-inch flowers held on dwarf plants that grow to only eight or 10 inches tall. Try mixing ‘Strawberry Blonde’ with some of the more muted strawflower and cosmos varieties for an antique vibe. If you’d like to give this fair beauty a place in your flower beds, you can find ‘Strawberry Blonde’ seeds available at Burpee.
Tangerine: Akin to Citrus
Akin to the citrus-themed ‘Mandarin,’ ‘Tangerine’ is a French marigold cultivar of T. patula. Its double flowers are flatter and more open, with broader petals. These compact marigolds grow to only 12 inches in height, and their blooms are two to two and a half inches wide. Pair them with lilac-hued summer snapdragons for a striking duo. You’ll find ‘Tangerine’ seeds available at Eden Brothers.
Tiger Eyes: A Fantastic Beauty
Staring into ‘Tiger Eyes’ is like staring into a world of double flowers. This French marigold has puffy orange centers surrounded by a ring of deep red petals. These two-inch flowers are held on compact plants that reach 12 inches tall. If you like what you see when you gaze into ‘Tiger Eyes,’ you can find seeds available at Eden Brothers.
Floral Favorites
With 31 different varieties showcased here, it’s hard to choose favorites. But which ones caught your eye? Do you need a bigger garden to accommodate a few new cultivars or do you have one specific variety in mind? Let us know in the comments below.
If you’re hungry for more marigold knowledge, keep reading:
- When and How to Plant Marigold Seeds
- Tips for Deadheading Marigolds
- How to Grow Pot Marigold (Calendula) Flowers
- 7 Steps to Harvesting and Saving Marigold Seeds
Marigolds are a true floral wonderland, adding beauty and joy to any garden. Explore the vast array of marigold cultivars and find the ones that speak to your gardening soul. Happy marigold gardening!
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