Are Marigolds Perennials or Annuals? Or There Are Both?

Marigolds! Those cheerful bursts of sunshine that grace gardens year after year, or perhaps not? These beautiful flowers come in a stunning array of yellows, oranges, and reds, adding a touch of warmth and cheer to any space. But there’s a question that often pops up for new gardeners (and even seasoned ones sometimes): are marigolds perennials or annuals?

The answer is both. True marigolds belong to the genus Tagetes (Asteraceae family, commonly called the sunflower or aster family), which has about 50 annual and perennial species native to the American continent. In this blog post, you will learn about different varieties, their lifespans, and the secrets to keeping them thriving in your garden. Whether you want a season-long display of color or a more permanent resident, there’s a perfect marigold waiting to brighten your day.

Annual Marigolds

The most commonly encountered marigolds are annuals. These flowers complete their entire life cycle, from seed to flower to death, within a single growing season. They bloom from early summer right up until the first frost. Many varieties of annual marigolds readily self-seed. This means the flowers produce seeds that drop to the ground in the fall. These seeds lie dormant through the winter and germinate in the spring, giving you a fresh crop of marigolds the following year. While not technically perennials, self-seeding allows annual marigolds to come back every year from seed without having to replant every season.

It’s important to note that some varieties of self-seeded marigolds may not always be identical to the parent plant. They can sometimes revert to a single flower form or have slightly different color variations.

Species of Annual Marigolds

The most popular types of annual marigolds:

• French Marigolds (Tagetes patula). These flowers are annuals, originating from Mexico and Guatemala. T. patula are known for their compact growth habit, reaching a height of 6-12 inches. They have single or double blooms in a delightful range of colors, with orange, yellow, bicolor, and mahogany red being some of the most popular. These annual plants need a full sun like many other varieties of marigolds. French marigolds are particularly fond of cooler weather and thrive in spring and fall, making them ideal for areas with mild summers. They are hardy in USDA Zones 2-11. Their compact size and long bloom time make them perfect flowers for edging walkways, growing in window boxes and patio containers.
• African Marigolds (Tagetes erecta). Standing tall and proud, African marigolds are the undisputed giants of the marigold family. Towering up to 4 feet tall, they produce large, single, or double flowers (2 to 6 inches) in shades similar to French marigolds, plus white. Despite its common name, T. erecta is native to Mexico and Central America. African marigolds are true heat lovers, unfazed by hot summer temperatures, and they are good for dry garden conditions. They are hardy in Zones 2-11. These annual plants bloom from early summer to early fall. Their color palette and big size make them a good choice for foundation plating, flower beds, and borders.
• Signet Marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia). Delicate and charming, Signet marigolds are a wonderful addition to edging and rock gardens. These compact annuals typically reach only 6-12 inches tall and feature ferny foliage with small (1-3 inches), single yellow or orange button-like flowers. These annual marigolds are native to Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. Hardy in zones 2-11, T. tenuifolia blooms from early summer to fall. Their dainty blooms and lacy leaves provide a delightful contrast to bolder flowering plants.

It is worth mentioning such popular annual flowers as Calendula. Despite their common name, “pot marigolds” (Calendula officinalis) aren’t true marigolds (Tagetes spp.). Believed to be native to the Mediterranean region in southern Europe, these daisy-like annuals have been cultivated for centuries for their vibrant orange and yellow blooms. While the edible petals were once used to add color and a peppery bite to dishes, today they’re more commonly used for medicinal purposes and as dazzling additions to borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements.

Benefits of Annual Marigolds

• Fast-growing and easy to care for. Ideal for beginner gardeners, annual marigolds germinate quickly and require minimal maintenance to thrive.
• Long bloom time. Most annual marigolds flower continuously throughout the summer and into fall.
• Attractive to pollinators. Their bright blooms attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
• Pest and disease resistance. Many marigold varieties boast natural pest and disease resistance, reducing the need for chemical controls. However, some are susceptible to snails, slugs, powdery mildew, and some other problems.
• Self-seeding. Some annual marigolds self-seed and come back the following year.

Perennial Marigolds

While annual marigolds reign supreme in most gardens, the family of marigolds offers perennial varieties. These flowers provide long-lasting beauty, returning year after year to grace your garden with their vibrant blooms and unique characteristics. Perennial marigolds are a true delight for gardeners seeking a more permanent pop of color. However, they are not as widely available as their annual cousins, therefore you might find them mostly online.

Here are two of the most popular perennial marigold varieties:

• Mexican Marigold (Tagetes lemmonii) is commonly known as the bush marigold or Copper Canyon daisy. These captivating perennial shrubs are from Mexico and the American Southwest. Flowers thrive in warmer climates (USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11). Mexican marigolds can grow into impressive shrubs, reaching up to 6 feet tall. Their ferny foliage provides a lush backdrop for a profusion of small, bright yellow, single blooms that attract butterflies and other pollinators throughout the season. The strong, citrusy scent of its leaves adds another layer of interest, repelling some unwanted insects while delighting human senses. This sun-loving marigold is a low-maintenance wonder that will add a touch of exotic beauty to borders and back-of-the-bed plantings.
• Mexican Mint Marigold (Tagetes lucida) is a unique perennial marigold that offers a delightful combination of beauty and utility. Unlike its showier cousins, Mexican tarragon boasts lacy, fern-like foliage that releases a refreshing mint scent when brushed against. Growing up to 2-3 feet tall, it produces small yellow, single flowers throughout the summer. Beyond its visual appeal, T. lucida is a valuable companion plant, having natural pest-repellent properties, repelling pests like aphids and whiteflies with its aromatic foliage. This low-maintenance charmer thrives in both full sun and partial shade (USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11), making it a universal choice for various garden settings.

While perennial marigolds offer extended flowering, it’s important to note that their hardiness is limited. In colder climates (zones below 8), they won’t survive the winter outdoors. However, with extra care, you can enjoy them as container plants, bringing them indoors for the winter and letting them grace your patio or balcony during the warmer months.

Perennial Plants Called “Marigolds”

We’ve analyzed the USDA Plants Database and other credible sources ^{[1] Biodiversity Heritage Library. THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN. v. 34, pt. 2 (1915). “North American flora” [2] USDA. “Plants Database” [3] Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin. “Native Plants Database”} to provide reliable information and help you understand which marigolds are perennial plants. In this table, you will find true and wild marigolds that come back every year. Also, some plants from other families which commonly called marigolds.

Scientific Name	USDA Symbol	Common Name(s)	Synonyms
Baileya multiradiata	BAMU	Desert Marigold, Desert Baileya, Wild Marigold, Paper Daisy, Showy Desert Marigold, Hierba Amarilla	Baileya multiradiata var. thurberi
Baileya pleniradiata	BAPL3	Woolly Marigold, Woolly Desert Marigold	Baileya multiradiata var. pleniradiata, Baileya perennis
Bidens beckii	BIBE2	Beck’s Water-marigold	Megalodonta beckii, Megalodonta beckii var. beckii, Megalodonta beckii var. hendersonii, Megalodonta beckii var. oregonensis
Caltha leptosepala	CALE4	White Marsh-marigold, Elks-lip	N/A
Caltha leptosepala ssp. howellii	CALEH2	Howell’s Marsh Marigold	Caltha biflora, Caltha biflora ssp. howellii, Caltha howellii, Caltha leptosepala ssp. biflora, Caltha leptosepala var. biflora
Caltha leptosepala ssp. leptosepala	CALEL7	White Marsh Marigold, White Marsh-marigold	N/A
Caltha leptosepala var. leptosepala	CALEL8	White Marsh-marigold, Alpine White Marsh-marigold, Mountain Marsh-marigold, Elks-lip Marsh-marigold, Slender Sepal Marsh-marigold	Caltha biflora var. rotundifolia, Caltha chelidonii, Caltha leptosepala var. rotundifolia, Psychrophila leptosepala
Caltha leptosepala var. sulfurea	CALES4	Sulphur Marsh Marigold	N/A
Caltha natans	CANA	Floating Marsh Marigold, Floating Marsh-marigold	Thacla natans
Caltha palustris	CAPA5	Yellow Marsh Marigold, Cowslip	N/A
Caltha palustris var. palustris	CAPAP6	Yellow Marsh Marigold, Marsh-marigold, Cowslip	Caltha asarifolia, Caltha natans var. asarifolia, Caltha palustris ssp. asarifolia, Caltha palustris var. asarifolia, Caltha palustris var. flabellifolia
Caltha palustris var. radicans	CAPAR3	Yellow Marsh Marigold, Yellow Marsh-marigold	Caltha arctica, Caltha minor ssp. arctica, Caltha natans var. arctica, Caltha palustris ssp. arctica, Caltha palustris var. radicans, Caltha palustris var. zetlandica, Caltha radicans, Caltha zetlandica
Castalis tragus	CATR18	Cape Marigold	Dimorphotheca aurantiaca
Tagetes hartwegii	N/A	N/A	N/A
Tagetes lacera	N/A	N/A	N/A
Tagetes lemmonii	TALE	Lemmon’s Marigold, Mt. Lemmon Marigold, Copper Canyon Daisy, Mountain Marigold, Perennial Marigold, Bush Marigold, Tangerine-scented Marigold, Mexican Bush Marigold, Shrub Marigold	Tagetes alamensis, Tagetes palmeri
Tagetes linifolia	N/A	N/A	N/A
Tagetes lucida	TALU3	Sweetscented Marigold, Mexican Mint Marigold, Mexican Tarragon, Sweet Mace	Tagetes anethina, Tagetes florida, Tagetes gilletii, Tagetes lucida f. florida, Tagetes pineda, Tagetes punctata, Tagetes schiedeana, Tagetes seleri
Tagetes moorei	N/A	N/A	Tagetes moorei var. breviligulata
Tagetes parryi	N/A	N/A	N/A
Tagetes stenophylla	N/A	N/A	N/A
Tetraneuris acaulis var. acaulis	TEACA2	Stemless Four-nerve Daisy, Stemless Goldflower, Stemless Rubber Weed, Butte Marigold, Bitterweed	Actinea acaulis, Actinella acaulis, Hymenoxys acaulis, Tetraneuris simplex
Thymophylla acerosa	THAC	Prickly-leaf Dogweed, Texas Dogweed, Shrubby Dogweed, Prickleleaf Dogweed, Prickleaf Dogweed, Fetid Marigold, Scrubby Dogweed	Dyssodia acerosa
Thymophylla pentachaeta	THPE4	Parralena, Fiveneedle Pricklyleaf, Five-needle Fetid Marigold	N/A

Planting Marigold Seeds: Step-By-Step

Marigolds, both annual and perennial, are known for their ease of growth, making them perfect for gardeners of all levels. This section will guide you through the process of planting marigold seeds.

STEP 1: Timing

Annual Marigolds. Wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area. Typically, this is 2-4 weeks after the last average frost date.

Perennial Marigolds. You can plant seeds outdoors in the late spring or early summer, once the soil temperature reaches around 70°F (21°C).

STEP 2: Preparing the Soil

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Marigolds don’t require overly rich soil, but adding a light layer of compost before planting can be beneficial.

STEP 3: Sowing the Seeds

Sow seeds directly onto the prepared soil. For annual marigolds, space them according to variety: French marigolds (6 inches), African marigolds (12 inches), and Signet marigolds (4-6 inches). For perennial marigolds, allow more space for their larger size (18-24 inches). Gently press the seeds into the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.

STEP 4: Watering Wisely

Water the planting area thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7-14 days for annuals and may take a bit longer for perennials.

STEP 5: Thinning the Seedlings

Once seedlings have established a few sets of leaves, thin them to allow proper spacing for optimal growth.

Alternatively, you can start seeds indoors. This method gives you more control over germination and allows you to enjoy blooms earlier in the season. For both annual and perennial marigolds (especially for colder regions), start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Use a seed starting mix and sow seeds ¼ inch deep in small pots or trays. Keep the soil moist and provide warmth (around 70°F). Once seedlings emerge and develop a few sets of true leaves, harden them off gradually before transplanting them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

For self-seeding annual marigolds throughout the growing season, deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and promote bushier growth. In fall, as the first frost approaches, stop deadheading and allow some flowers to go to seed.

Care Tips for Marigolds

No matter which type of marigold you choose, all marigolds prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Insufficient sunlight may be the reason why plants do not bloom.

They thrive with regular watering but should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Marigolds dislike soggy conditions that can lead to root rot. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or coarse sand to improve drainage. To encourage bushier plants and more blooms, deadhead spent flowers and pinch back leggy growth.

A light application of balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks (or organic options like compost tea) can boost blooms, particularly for container plants. Also, potted flowers need more frequent watering.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the beauty of marigolds throughout the season, whether you choose annuals or perennials.

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FAQ

SOURCES

1. Biodiversity Heritage Library. THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN. v. 34, pt. 2 (1915). “North American flora”
2. USDA. “Plants Database”
3. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin. “Native Plants Database”