What Are the Large Flowering Marigold Varieties?

African

• Some of the largest marigold flowers are varieties of the African, or Aztec, species (Tagetes erecta). The African marigold flowers are double petals with blooms that can be 5 inches across, but generally are 3 1/2 inches. The plant will grow to a height of 12 to 14 inches, though there are tall African marigold varieties that will reach several feet in height. Tall African marigolds bloom two to three weeks later than the shorter varieties, which begin in midsummer and continue until the first hard frost.

French

• Smaller plants than African marigolds, French marigolds include varieties that range from dwarf plants with small flowers to plants that grow 8 to 12 inches with abundant, large flowers that are 2 1/2 inches wide. The large French marigold flowers bloom in a range of colors and combinations of yellow, orange and dark rusty red with single, semidouble or double petals. French marigolds are more commonly grown in landscapes, containers and gardens, particularly the single and semidouble flowers.

Triploids

• Triploids are hybrid crosses between African and French marigolds. Flowers are approximately 2 inches across and can be a vivid mix of colors. The plant is smaller, usually between 8 to 12 inches in height. Because triploid marigolds are hybrid, the flowers are sterile, producing no seeds. This means instead of directing the plant's energy to seed development, the plant produces more buds and flowers. With the large selection of triploid hybrids available, a gardener can grow single, semidouble or double flowers in a range of colors.

Potted

• Potted marigolds really aren't marigolds but calendulas, a hardy, old-fashioned annual herb. These large, more daisylike flowers bloom in the same colors as marigolds: shades of yellow, gold and orange. With entirely different foliage than true marigold plants, calendula flowers are up to 3 inches in diameter and begin blooming in early summer until the first hard frost. Calendula flowers bloom on long stems with hairy, oblong leaves.