annualN. America Native

French Marigold

The Story

Plant Bio

Tagetes patula is a compact, bushy annual forming a mounded habit of deeply divided, dark green foliage with a strong, pungent scent. Solitary composite flower heads emerge on swollen stems from summer until frost, displaying warm shades of yellow, orange, red, and mahogany.

The roots of this species exude alpha-terthienyl, a compound that actively suppresses parasitic root-knot nematodes in the surrounding soil. The pungent essential oils in the leaves serve as a highly effective natural deterrent against browsing deer and rabbits.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides vibrant, continuous color in borders, edgings, and containers from early summer until the first hard frost.

The pungent foliage oils act as a natural deterrent against deer and rabbits, protecting nearby vulnerable plants.

Attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insect pollinators while repelling subterranean root-knot nematodes.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

20"

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Mexico, Central America

Toxicity

Low toxicity if ingested; sap can cause skin irritation

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Sow seeds directly into warm, well-draining soil after all danger of frost has passed, covering them lightly with one-quarter inch of soil.
Thin seedlings or space nursery starts six to twelve inches apart in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Water deeply at the base of the plants when the top inch of soil feels dry, keeping foliage dry to prevent fungal issues.
Pinch back the growing tips of young plants to encourage a bushier habit and increase the number of future flowering stems.

Pro Tip

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production, and plant only in free-draining soil to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Deadhead spent blooms weekly to stimulate continuous flower production throughout the season.
Incorporate spent plants directly into vegetable garden beds in fall to help control soil nematodes.
Provide full sun to maximize flower density and maintain a compact growth habit.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained soils where standing water causes root rot.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which cause lush leaf growth but suppress blooming.
Do not water overhead in the evening, as prolonged leaf moisture invites powdery mildew and botrytis.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingContainer GardeningCompanion PlantingMass Planting

Companion Plants

Solanum lycopersicum Capsicum annuum Zinnia elegans Ocimum basilicum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

French Marigold questions

What zones can French Marigold grow in?

French Marigold is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is French Marigold deer resistant?

Yes — French Marigold is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does French Marigold bloom?

French Marigold typically blooms in summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does French Marigold need full sun?

French Marigold does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is French Marigold drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), French Marigold handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.