Tagetes — 16 species

Tagetes, the true marigolds, are among the most versatile annual and perennial flowering plants in horticulture, ranging from the compact French marigold (T. patula) to the tall, pom-pom-flowered African marigold (T. erecta) and the dainty signet marigold (T. tenuifolia). They demand full sun — a minimum of six hours of direct light daily — and prefer well-drained soil kept moderately dry between waterings; roughly one inch of water per week suits most species. Toxicity varies across the genus: check each species before purchasing if you have cats or dogs.