Wondering—What Colors Do Marigolds Come In? From bright and bold to soft and subtle, we have included the best ones in this list!
Not sure What Colors Do Marigolds Come In? Well, the hues in which these blooms come might surprise you! Let’s have a look!
Read about the 7 Best Types of Marigolds + How to Grow them in Pots here
Marigold Plants
The Tagetes genus encompasses over 50 species, including exciting hybrids and cultivars of marigolds. Carl Linnaeus, the inventor of the binomial naming system, classified this genus in 1753 as one of many. Marigolds belong to the Asteraceae family, also known as the Aster or sunflower family, which contains astonishing 32,000 species, making it the second-largest family after Orchids.
It’s worth noting that marigolds share their common name with another genus of plants, Calendula, which can confuse. While Calendula species are sometimes called pot marigolds or Scotch marigolds, the term “marigold” is typically reserved for plants of the Tagetes genus.
It’s important to note that the availability of different colors may vary based on the specific marigold variety and the region in which they are grown. Marigolds are known for their resilience and ease of cultivation, making them a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers worldwide.
9 Summer Flowers that Never Stop Blooming here
Types of Marigold
- African Marigold (Tagetes erecta): African marigolds are tall and robust with large, double flowers in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and bi-colors. They are popular for their long-lasting blooms and are often used in floral arrangements and garden borders.
- French Marigold (Tagetes patula): French marigolds are smaller in size compared to African marigolds and come in various colors like orange, yellow, and red. They have single or double flowers and are excellent for bedding, edging, or container planting.
- Signet Marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia): Signet marigolds have small, dainty flowers and delicate, lacy foliage. They are known for their pleasant citrusy aroma and come in shades of yellow and orange. These marigolds are great for edging, rock gardens, or as companion plants in vegetable gardens.
- Triploid Marigold (Tagetes erecta x Tagetes patula): Triploid marigolds are hybrids between African and French marigolds. They offer the best of both types, combining the large, showy blooms of African marigolds with the compact growth of French marigolds.
- Inca Marigold (Tagetes minuta): Also known as Mexican marigold, Inca marigold has fern-like foliage and small, cream-colored flowers. It is primarily grown for its aromatic foliage and is used as a companion plant to deter pests in gardens.
What Colors Do Marigolds Come In?
1. Yellow
Yellow is the most common color of marigold, and it is available in many different shades.
The African marigold produces large, fluffy blooms in shades of bright yellow, while the French marigold has smaller flowers in shades of pale to deep yellow.
Signet marigold produces tiny, dainty flowers in shades of yellow and orange. Some popular yellow marigolds include ‘Discovery Yellow,’ ‘Safari Yellow,’ and ‘Lemon Gem.’
2. Orange
Orange is another popular color of marigold, and it is available in many different varieties. Some popular orange marigolds include ‘Durango Orange,’ ‘Sparky Mix,’ and ‘Harlequin.’
The ‘Inca II Orange’ African marigold has red petals at the base and yellow at the tips, creating a unique and striking color combination.
3. Red
While not as common as yellow and orange marigolds, there are several red varieties of marigolds available to gardeners.
The ‘Bonanza Red’ and ‘Bonanza Flame’ French marigolds produce bright red blooms that are sure to catch the eye. The ‘Red Metamorph’ African marigold has petals that start off as yellow and gradually turn to red as they mature.
4. Bi-Color
Bi-color marigolds are a popular choice for gardeners who want to add some variety to their gardens. These marigolds have petals that are two different colors, creating a stunning visual effect.
Some popular bi-color marigolds include ‘Jolly Jester,’ which has red and yellow petals, and ‘Paprika,’ which has red and gold petals.
5. Creamy Yellow
One great example of this color group is Tagetes erecta ‘Sweet Cream.’ Its light-yellow, densely petaled, round flowers are perfect for flower arranging. With regular deadheading, this plant will continue to bloom throughout the season and grow to just over a foot tall.
Another variety that may be more challenging to find but is well worth the effort is Kilimanjaro White, another African marigold. This plant produces almost-white, creamy-yellow blooms with bright yellow centers, giving you the best of both worlds.
6. Deep Orange
One fantastic option is the French marigold Fireball, which lives up to its name with its deep and dark red blooms that gradually change to a brighter orange and then end up a golden color, resembling the colors of flames.
Durango Red and Alumia Red are also excellent French marigolds with intense red colors that hold throughout the season. Plant them alongside other French marigolds in shades of orange and yellow for a vibrant display of colors throughout the summer.
7. Orange-Red
‘Zenith Red’ is a fantastic option, with its dense pom-poms that change color gradually over time. As part of the same series as Lemon Yellow, this marigold variety transitions between a deep red and fiery orange, providing continual interest in the garden.
Another excellent choice is ‘Red Gem’, which is related to Yellow Gem and belongs to the Signet marigold family. Its gorgeous orange-red petals with a bright yellow center will catch your eye and make a bold statement in any garden.
8. Red-Yellow
One of the most popular bicolor marigolds is the Colossus, with deep red petals and bright yellow edges. Its dense petals and striking colors make it a favorite among marigold enthusiasts.
Bounty, a French marigold, offers a slightly different take on the red and yellow combination. Its petals are also edged in yellow, but the bright yellow centers are the main focus, creating a beautiful contrast with the red.
9. Orange-Yellow
If you prefer a softer, more pastel-like shade of orange, then try growing the Boy O’ Boy Orange variety. This African marigold produces large, fluffy blooms with petals that gradually blend from a soft peach-orange to a golden yellow at the center. Plant them in large groupings for a dramatic effect.
Another great option for an orange and yellow bicolor marigold is the Bonanza series. These compact French marigolds feature double blooms with a vibrant orange color that fades to a soft yellow at the tips of the petals.
The Bonanza series also comes in a range of other colors, so you can mix and match to create your own unique marigold garden.
