There are numerous marigold varieties available to home gardeners. Many of the commonly grown marigolds are varieties of African and French marigolds. Less known are the triploid hybrids and the signet marigolds. Flowers may measure up to 5 inches across. Plant height varies from 10 to 36 inches.
African marigolds are excellent bedding plants.
Tall varieties can be used as background plantings. Suggested African marigolds for Iowa include varieties in the Inca and Perfection series. A series is a group of closely related varieties with uniform characteristics, such as height, spread and flowering habit. The only characteristic that varies within a series is flower color. African marigolds also are referred to as American marigolds.