French Marigold Varieties

Nematode Suppression

• Georgia researchers have reported that certain French marigold cultivars -- Goldie, Nemagold, Petite Gold, Petite Harmony and Tangerine -- effectively suppress soil populations of destructive microscopic roundworms known as root knot nematodes when planted closely together in solid blocks. This is caused by alleopathy, or a plant’s ability to release substances that kill certain soil organisms. University of Florida Extension adds Dwarf Primrose, Single Gold, Bonita Mixed, Gypsy Sunshine and Scarlet Sophie as cultivars that effectively suppress common Florida nematodes. But nematode management in soils is very complex, because marigolds may suppress particular nematode species yet be damaged by others.

Single-Flowered Types

• The disc-like flower of single-flowered French marigold types feature relatively few flower petals and these lie flat, all in one plane, encircling a central tuft. The effect in the garden is simple, neat and tidy, with particularly bright or striking color combinations having the most visual impact. Dainty Marietta is a popular heirloom variety. The cheery cultivar Disco comes in yellow, red and various bi-colors. Mr. Majestic, a 10-inch-tall plant with red and yellow stripes radiating outward from the center, is very striking.

Anemone Type Flowers

• French marigolds categorized as anemone flowered have showy, attention-grabbing semi-double flowers that have flat outer petals and somewhat ruffled central petals. The anemone flower form gives French marigolds a fuller presence on the plant, sometimes frilly, depending on the cultivar. Notable cultivars include Aurora Yellow Fire, various striking colors of early-blooming Durango and frillier Safari variations.

Crested Type Flowers

• Crested French marigolds represent the other semi-double flower form. Crested types have ruffled, looser outer petals and the inner or central petals that rise into a tighter tuft or crest. This flower form presents a very neat, rounded appearance, with petals seeming to open outward and down from the top. Among the many striking crested types: Bonanza, Boy, Janie and Little Hero.

Double-Flowered Types

• Fully doubled flowers give French marigolds the fullest, most formal presence, particularly along walkways and borders in the garden. Bi-colored combinations offer particular dimension and depth of color. Cultivars to consider include Fiesta, Gate and Tiger Eyes.