The African and French marigolds, members of the Tagetes genus, are not native to a single specific country, but they are believed to have originated in Mexico and other parts of Central and South America. Marigolds were historically cultivated by the Aztecs, who considered them sacred and used them in various religious and medicinal practices.
Introduced to Europe by Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 16th century, marigolds gained popularity for their vibrant blooms and pest-repelling properties. The plants thrived in different climates and quickly spread across the continents, becoming widely cultivated and adapted in various regions.
While the name "African marigold" might suggest an origin in Africa, it refers to the species Tagetes erecta, which is native to Mexico. Similarly, the term "French marigold" typically refers to Tagetes patula, another species native to Mexico and Central America. Both types of marigolds have become popular ornamental plants and are extensively grown for their bright and cheerful flowers in gardens and landscapes around the world.