Marigold seed packets offer much more than a choice between yellow and orange. Height, branching and flower size determine whether a variety will suit a narrow border, a container or a taller summer planting.
French and African marigolds
French marigolds, Tagetes patula, are generally compact and bushy. Their flowers may be single, semi-double or double, often combining yellow, orange and reddish tones. NC State Extension lists them for edging, beds and containers.
African marigolds, Tagetes erecta, generally have larger flowers. Check the particular cultivar's height rather than assuming every plant sold under this name will grow equally tall.
Compare useful details
Look for mature height and spread, flower form, recommended spacing and whether the seed is a hybrid. A series name can cover several colours, so keep the full selection name when comparing results or ordering again.
Avoid choosing solely by an advertised number of days to flower. The start point and growing conditions behind that number may differ from your own setup.
For a small pot, decide how much mature foliage it can accommodate before buying a full tray. For a mixed border, place taller selections where they will not obscure lower plants. A clearly labelled, appropriately sized variety is easier to plan around than a translated trade name with no dimensions.
Related reading: Marigold care.
References
Horticultural references checked on 29 October 2026.