Flower shapes vary from single to frilled, to massive round balls. Many shades of yellow and gold, orange, ivory, mahogany and bicolor blooms are available. The African marigolds contain the tallest varieties. They're the ones with the large pompon-type flowers, but some plants can be as short as twelve inches. The French marigolds consist of the more dwarf varieties, growing to a height of six to twelve inches.
Many choices are available, with both single and double flowers.
Lemon Gem and Golden Gem are varieties of a species of marigold that produce a profusion of very tiny single flowers on bushy plants. The foliage is very fern-like and is more pleasantly scented than any other marigold. Marigolds can take lots of heat and full sun. They like well-drained soil and moist, but not wet, conditions. To keep them blooming all summer, remove spent blossoms.