Marigold leaves are finely cut and fernlike. Signet marigolds leaves are much finer than those of other types. Foliage color is a rich dark green and in many cases is scented. In African marigolds, the scent is not pleasant, but some other types are grown for their aromatic fragrance. Most varieties bloom from early summer until hard frost in late fall.
Marigolds require full sun and grow best in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Prepare your flowerbeds by mixing in pine bark or leaf mold to 6 to 10 inches deep. Marigolds can be purchased as transplants or seeded directly in the garden. Start seed for transplants inside four to six weeks before planting out. Most marigolds are hybrids. If you save seed from last year's plants, they may not be the same as what you grew last year.