Marigold

Tagetes erecta

Marigolds are bright orange and yellow flowers that are fun to grow! They bloom all summer and are great for attracting pollinators.

Habitat: Gardens and outdoor spaces

Appearance

The Marigold has bright, cheerful daisy-like or carnation-like flowers, typically in warm shades of orange, yellow, and red. Its feathery, dark green leaves emit a distinct, pungent aroma, setting it apart from many other garden blooms.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusTagetes

Marigold

Interesting facts

Ancient Aztecs honored marigolds, using them for medicine and rituals.

Marigold petals are sometimes fed to chickens to make egg yolks brighter!

Marigolds are vital to Mexico's Día de Muertos celebrations!

The petals of many marigolds are safe to eat and tasty in salads!

Special abilities

Marigold roots release special chemicals that help protect nearby plants from tiny underground worms called nematodes.

Its vibrant orange and yellow flowers act like bright signals, attracting helpful bees and butterflies for pollination.

The petals contain natural pigments, allowing Marigolds to be used to safely add golden color to food or fabrics.

Measurements & details

Height: 15-90 cm
Spread: 15-60 cm
Flower Size: 1-10 cm
Bloom Season: Summer to Fall
Is Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Annual
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen

pollinates

Monarch Butterfly

Danaus plexippus

Sips nectar from vibrant flowers

eats

Garden Snail

Helix aspersa

Can sometimes munch on leaves

eats

Green Peach Aphid

Myzus persicae

Feeds on plant sap and leaves

Traits

Annual

Discover plants that complete their whole life story, from a tiny seed to making new seeds, all within a single growing season! Then, they gracefully finish their cycle.

Herbaceous

These amazing plants have soft, green stems that typically die back to the ground each year, making way for fresh new growth when the time is right.

Ornamental

These lovely plants are grown simply because they are so beautiful to look at, adding splashes of color and interesting shapes to any garden or landscape.

Summer Blooming

Enjoy the sunny days with these vibrant plants that show off their stunning flowers all through the warmest months, adding color to the long summer days.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Pollinator Magnet

Discover plants that are irresistible to our pollinator friends! These beauties are super attractive to bees, butterflies, and other helpful creatures, creating a buzzing hub of activity.