French Marigold
Tagetes patula
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
French Marigold (Tagetes patula) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native alternatives to French Marigold
French Marigold is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 446 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA compact bushy annual with finely divided foliage and yellow to mahogany flowers from planting until frost. It blooms hard with almost no care and is often used to edge vegetable beds. Deadheading keeps it flowering.
In an HOA neighborhood
French Marigold is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation bed, border.
Wildlife value
Flowers offer nectar that generalist visitors will use, but as a non-native it feeds no local caterpillars. Treat it as garden interest rather than habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does French Marigold need?
- French Marigold grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does French Marigold bloom?
- French Marigold blooms in May, June, July, August, September, and October.
- Is French Marigold HOA-friendly?
- French Marigold is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow French Marigold? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz