Tagetes patula

Tagetes patula (French marigold) — a compact, non-stop summer annual from Mexico and a famous companion plant against pests. One of the species in our marigold range.

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  • €4,45

    French Marigold Carmen for Compact Summer Colour french marigold seeds ‘Carmen’ are a classic choice for bright, low-growing seasonal displays. This compact marigold variety forms neat plants with large, warm red-brown blooms highlighted with yellow...

  • French Marigold Tangerine seeds (Tagetes patula) – annual flower French Marigold Tangerine (Tagetes patula) – annual flower seeds from SeedsChoice
    20%
    €3,56€4,45

    French Marigold Tangerine for Bright Summer Displays french marigold seeds ‘Tangerine’ are a classic annual choice for adding rich, dark orange colour to the garden. This compact French marigold tangerine type forms neat, low plants...

  • €4,95

    Compact orange blooms for sunny borders french marigold bolero seeds produce a compact annual bedding display with richly coloured, double orange flowers. This classic dwarf selection is valued for its neat, rounded habit and reliable...

  • €4,45

    Compact annual marigold with bold orange blooms french marigold bolero seeds are a classic choice for bright, compact seasonal color in beds and containers. This dwarf French marigold stays around 25 cm tall and produces...

  • €4,95

    Petite Yellow French marigold for bright borders french marigold seeds ‘Petite Yellow’ are a compact annual choice for neat edging and cheerful summer colour. This variety forms a low, tidy plant with bright yellow blooms...

  • €4,45

    Bright gold blooms for sunny garden displays french marigold naughty marietta seeds produce compact, cheerful plants with bright golden yellow marigold flowers that stand out in summer planting schemes. This classic annual is valued for...

  • French Marigold Harmony Petite seeds (Tagetes patula) – annual flower French Marigold Harmony Petite (Tagetes patula) – annual flower seeds from SeedsChoice
    20%
    €3,56€4,45

    Compact annual blooms for sunny garden borders french marigold seeds bring classic, nostalgic colour to beds and borders with a neat, low-growing habit. This variety stays compact and reaches around 25 cm in height, making...

  • €4,95

    Petite Harmony French Marigold For Compact Color french marigold seeds ‘Petite Harmony’ are a classic choice for bright, traditional summer bedding with a neat, low habit. This dwarf French marigold forms a compact annual plant...

  • €4,95

    Compact orange annual blooms for borders french marigold seeds produce a neat, low-growing annual with richly colored orange, double flowers that stand out in summer displays. This Petite Orange selection is valued for its compact...

  • €4,45

    French Marigold Carmen for Compact Summer Colour french marigold seeds ‘Carmen’ are a classic choice for bright, warm-toned seasonal displays. This compact marigold variety forms neat, low plants with large, showy blooms in rich red-brown...

  • €4,45

    Bright annual colour for borders and containers french marigold seeds ‘Naughty Marietta’ are a classic choice for adding clear, golden-yellow marigold flowers to beds, borders, and patio displays. This compact marigold variety stays neat and...

  • €4,45

    Bonita annual mix for borders and pots french marigold seeds Bonita are a compact annual flower mix valued for long-lasting summer colour in beds, borders, and containers. These Tagetes patula plants stay low and neat,...

  • €4,45

    Compact orange blooms for borders and pots french marigold petite orange seeds are a reliable choice for adding bright, warm color to beds, edging, and mixed plantings. This compact annual produces abundant orange flowers on...

  • €4,45

    Petite Yellow annual for neat garden edges french marigold seeds ‘Petite Yellow’ are a compact, low-growing annual chosen for tidy colour in beds and small spaces. This dwarf French marigold forms a neat mound and...

  • €7,95

    French marigold seeds for annual green manure french marigold seeds are a versatile choice for gardeners who want an annual green manure with added ornamental value. This variety, also known as Bonita, forms a compact...

  • €4,45

    French Marigold Bonita for Compact Summer Colour french marigold seeds ‘Bonita’ are a reliable choice for neat, low-growing seasonal displays. This variety of Tagetes patula forms a compact, tidy plant that stays low and works...

Tagetes patula — the French marigold

Tagetes patula is the botanical name for the French marigold, a compact, free-flowering annual that blooms tirelessly all summer and is a famous companion plant. It is one of the species behind our marigold range within the flower seed collection.

History & origin

Despite the name, the French marigold comes from Mexico and Central America, like all true marigolds. After the Spanish carried Tagetes seed across the Atlantic, the plants naturalised widely — the “French” and “African” marigolds are named simply for where Europeans later met them, not where they began. In their Mexican homeland marigolds carry deep cultural meaning, above all in the Day of the Dead. The genus is named after Tages, a deity of Etruscan myth.

The species name patula means “spreading,” after the bushy, low habit.

Botanical characteristics

Compact and bushy, usually 20–40 cm, the French marigold carries masses of small single or double flowers in yellow, orange, red and mahogany, often beautifully bicoloured. It is one of the most reliable bedding and edging plants, and one of the most useful: its roots and scent are widely used to deter nematodes and whitefly, making it a classic companion among vegetables. It also draws hoverflies and features in our pollinator and bee-friendly ranges.

Growing Tagetes patula from seed

French marigolds are quick and easy — sow under cover in spring or direct once it is warm, and they will flower in a couple of months. Deadhead regularly for non-stop colour right up to the frosts, and dot them through the veg patch for their companion-planting benefits. Our flower growing guide and companion planting guide tell you more.

Ready to grow marigolds? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Marigold · Pollinator Flowers · Bee-Friendly Flowers · Edible Flowers · All Flower Seeds

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tagetes patula?
It is the botanical name for the French marigold, a compact summer annual.

Where do French marigolds originate?
From Mexico and Central America, despite the “French” name.

Why are marigolds good companion plants?
Their roots and scent help deter nematodes and whitefly among vegetables.

What does the name mean?
Tagetes is named after the deity Tages, and patula means “spreading.”

How do I grow them?
Sow in spring under cover or direct once warm, and deadhead for colour right up to the frosts.