Description
Marigold, French Type mare-E-gold
Although they’re commonly called French marigolds, Tagetes patula is actually native to Mexico and Central America. In the 16th century, their seeds were first transported to Europe by Portuguese explorers. Eventually, the flowers became popular in France—and just about everywhere else, too, including French territories. Bushy and compact, French marigolds usually grow no higher than a foot. They make a wonderful hedge that blooms from summer into late fall. French marigold cultivars come in double-flower and single-flower varieties, but most are doubles with red, orange and yellow flowers that seem petite compared to African marigolds. Most measure from one to three inches across.
