Types

• The four species of marigolds are African (Tagetes erecta), French (Tagetes patula), triploids hybrid (Tagetes erecta with Tagetes patula) and single (Tagetes tenuifolia). (see Reference 1)
  
  

Features

• Marigolds come in many colors, including red, yellow, orange, maroon or cream. Depending on the species or hybrid, the spread and height vary from 6 inches to 4 feet (Reference 1).
  
  

Function

• You can use marigolds as border or edging accents or grow entire beds. Marigolds also make good potted plants and cut flowers.
  
  

Growing Tips

• Marigolds require well-drained loam soil and a sunny location. Marigolds like moist soil. To ensure a good, continuous crop of flowers, pinch off dying flower heads.
  
  

Other Uses

• Marigolds are edible. The African marigold (Tagetes erecta) has a pungent taste, while the Signet marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia) tastes like citrus, according to Charles Nardozzi of the National Gardening Association (Reference 2).
  
  

Propagation

• Plant marigold seeds outside after frost danger has passed. You can also grow marigolds from seed indoors in March and April in most growing zones, then transfer the plants outside in warm weather.