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.
Flower colors are yellow, orange and mahogany-red.
Many varieties have bicolored flowers. Flower heads may be single or double. Plant height ranges from 6 to 18 inches. The French marigolds have a longer blooming season than the African marigolds. They generally bloom from spring until frost.