African Marigold vs. French Marigold — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 23, 2024
African Marigold is a larger, taller marigold variety with pom-pom-like flowers. French Marigold is a smaller, bushier marigold variety with smaller, more numerous flowers.
Difference Between African Marigold and French Marigold
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
African Marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are known for their large, pom-pom-like flowers, which can be quite showy. French Marigolds (Tagetes patula), on the other hand, are recognized for their smaller but more numerous flowers, often with a more intricate design.
In terms of size, African Marigolds generally grow taller and can reach up to 3 feet in height. French Marigolds are shorter and bushier, typically growing to about 6-12 inches in height.
The African Marigold is often used in large landscape settings due to its size and the bold statement its flowers make. The French Marigold, with its smaller size, is more commonly used in containers, borders, and as a companion plant in vegetable gardens.
The flowers of the African Marigold are predominantly yellow and orange, and the plants are known for their heat and drought tolerance. French Marigolds come in a wider range of colors, including yellows, oranges, reds, and mahogany, often with multiple colors per flower.
Both types of marigolds are popular for their ability to deter garden pests, but French Marigolds are particularly noted for this trait and are often planted as a natural pest deterrent in gardens.
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Comparison Chart
Flower Size
Larger, pom-pom-like
Smaller, more intricate
Plant Height
Taller (up to 3 feet)
Shorter (6-12 inches)
Usage in Gardening
Ideal for large landscapes
Suitable for containers, borders
Color Varieties
Predominantly yellow and orange
Wider range including reds, mahogany
Pest Deterrence
Effective, especially against nematodes
Notably effective as pest deterrent
Compare with Definitions
African Marigold
Predominantly yellow and orange flowers.
The bright orange African marigolds brightened the landscape.
French Marigold
A smaller, bushier marigold variety.
The garden borders were lined with colorful French marigolds.
African Marigold
Effective against garden pests like nematodes.
Plant African marigolds to naturally control nematodes.
French Marigold
Popular as a natural pest deterrent in gardens.
She planted French marigolds among her vegetables to deter pests.
African Marigold
A tall marigold variety with large flowers.
The African marigolds dominated the garden with their height.
French Marigold
Ideal for containers and companion planting.
French marigolds in pots adorned the patio beautifully.
African Marigold
Known for its heat and drought resistance.
African marigolds thrive well in the summer garden.
French Marigold
Known for smaller, numerous, and intricately designed flowers.
The delicate flowers of the French marigolds added intricacy to the floral arrangement.
African Marigold
Often used in mass plantings.
For a bold statement, use African marigolds in large flower beds.
French Marigold
Comes in a wide range of colors, including multicolors.
The red and yellow French marigolds were a striking combination.
Common Curiosities
Can African Marigolds withstand hot and dry conditions?
Yes, African Marigolds are particularly known for their heat and drought tolerance.
Are French Marigolds effective in pest control?
Yes, French Marigolds are known for their ability to deter garden pests.
What colors do French Marigolds come in?
French Marigolds come in yellows, oranges, reds, and mahogany, often in multicolors.
Are African Marigolds suitable for container gardening?
Due to their size, African Marigolds are less commonly used in containers compared to French Marigolds.
Do French Marigolds require special care?
French Marigolds are relatively easy to care for, requiring basic gardening maintenance.
What is the ideal planting environment for French Marigolds?
French Marigolds thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight.
Are African Marigolds susceptible to any diseases?
They can be susceptible to common garden pests and diseases but are generally robust.
Which marigold variety grows taller, African or French?
African Marigolds typically grow taller than French Marigolds.
How tall do French Marigolds grow?
French Marigolds typically grow to about 6-12 inches in height.
Are African Marigolds perennials?
Like French Marigolds, African Marigolds are generally grown as annuals.
Can African Marigolds help improve soil health?
Yes, they can help control nematodes, thereby improving soil health.
How often should French Marigolds be watered?
They should be watered regularly, but the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
Can African Marigolds be used for companion planting?
While effective against nematodes, their size makes them less ideal for companion planting than French Marigolds.
Do both types of marigolds attract pollinators?
Yes, both African and French Marigolds attract bees and butterflies.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
