The main difference between African and French marigold is that French marigolds are usually more ruffled and available in a wider range of colours compared to African marigolds.
There are three main varieties of marigolds available worldwide. French and African species are two of them. If you want to add a unique burst of colours to your garden and if you intend to attract more pollinators, marigolds would be an ideal choice for your sun garden.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is African Marigold
– Definition, Features
2. What is French Marigold
– Definition, Features
2. Similarities Between African and French Marigold
– Outline of Common Features
3. Difference Between African and French Marigold
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
African Marigold, French Marigold
What is African Marigold
African marigolds are a variety of large sun-garden flowers that come in vibrant colours. They possess petals with yellow-to-orange shadings and bloom from midsummer to frost. African marigold flowers have a diameter up to 5 inches across. African marigolds are also known as American marigolds.
Furthermore, African marigolds are a great choice as bedding plants. Tall African marigolds can also be planted as background plantings. If you want to turn your garden into an eye-catching sun garden, African marigold is the best choice. Generally, a well-grown African marigold plant reaches up to 3 feet in height, bearing gorgeous sun-garden flowers. If you live in a small space and still want to plant marigolds, the dwarf marigold African variety, which stays under 1 foot of height, is a good choice. Therefore, it is best for small gardens.
What is French Marigold
French marigolds are a plant of the daisy family, with flowers smaller than African marigolds. French marigolds plants are bushier and bear flowers with a diameter of 2 inches across. Moreover, these are found in yellow, orange, and mahogany-red shades. Some French marigold species also have bicoloured flowers.
A French marigold plant grows up to a height ranging from 6 to 18 inches. The French marigolds have a comparatively longer blooming period than the African marigolds, as they usually bloom from spring until frost. Compared to African marigolds, French marigolds stay durable even during the rainy seasons. Furthermore, French marigolds are best as edging plants for flower beds and for mass plantings. In addition, Queen Sophia and Golden Gate are the two most popular French marigold varieties.
Similarities Between African and French Marigold
- Both African and French Marigold are ideal sun-garden flower varieties.
- Moreover, they are available in yellow to orange shades.
- These varieties can be used as edging plants.
- In addition, both African and French marigold flowers attract pollinators.
Difference Between African and French Marigold
Definition
African marigolds are a variety of large sun-garden flowers that come in vibrant colours, while French marigolds are a plant of the daisy family, with flowers smaller than African marigolds.
Flower Size
African marigold flowers are larger in size, with a 5-inch diameter across the flower, while French marigold flowers are smaller in size, with a 2-inch diameter across.
Colour
The African variety possesses petals with yellow-to-orange shadings, while French marigolds are found in yellow, orange, and mahogany-red shades.
Blooming Season
African marigolds bloom from midsummer to frost whereas French marigolds have a comparatively longer blooming period and usually bloom from spring until frost.
Petals
The petals of French marigolds are more frilled than the petals of the African marigolds.
Conclusion
The main difference between African and French marigold is that the petals of French marigold flowers are more ruffled than the petals of the African marigolds. Furthermore, French marigolds are available in a wider range of shades, while African marigolds possess petals with yellow-to-orange shadings. Both these vibrant flower varieties are ideal choices if you are a sun garden lover.
Reference:
1. “African Marigold.” Better Homes & Gardens.
2. “French Marigold.” Better Homes & Gardens.
3. Rodriguez, Amy. “Can Marigolds Grow in Part Shade?” Home Guides | SF Gate, 17 Nov. 2020.
Image Courtesy:
1. “African Marigold (357096604)” By Dinesh Valke from Thane, India – African Marigold (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “French Marigold — October Birthday Flower — Tagetes patula” By Jim Evans – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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