Plant guide
French marigold
Tagetes patula
French marigolds may cause mild stomach upset if a cat eats them, and their sap can irritate skin. Keep them away from nibbling. Veterinary references differ on the safety label, so we recommend caution.
What this guide covers: Tagetes patula only. Confirm the botanical identity; a photograph alone cannot establish plant identity.
Photo:
Photo details
Tagetes patula — Tagetes patula
By Danlela
License: CC BY-SA 2.0
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
This displayed image is shared under the same CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
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Photo:
Photo details
Tagetes patula — Tagetes patula
By Danlela
License: CC BY-SA 2.0
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
This displayed image is shared under the same CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
French marigold seeds
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Plant identity
- Scientific name
- Tagetes patula
- Scope
- Species
- Family
- Not recorded
- Also known as
- No reviewed aliases available
Our practical recommendation
Your cat comes first.
French marigolds may cause mild stomach upset if a cat eats them, and their sap can irritate skin. Keep them away from nibbling. Veterinary references differ on the safety label, so we recommend caution.
Explore reviewed non-toxic plants ↗Why the guidance differs
Pet Poison Helpline describes irritation from Tagetes species and specifically includes cats. VPIS lists Tagetes patula as pet-safe. Preserve both. Calendula officinalis is a different marigold and its non-toxic assessment must not be substituted.
A disagreement between references does not cancel a toxicity warning. We keep those warnings visible while the assessment remains unresolved.
Sources & review
Pet Poison Helpline describes irritation from Tagetes species and specifically includes cats. VPIS lists Tagetes patula as pet-safe. Preserve both. Calendula officinalis is a different marigold and its non-toxic assessment must not be substituted.
Source scope and date
Pet Poison Helpline · Source name: Tagetes species. Tagetes patula only. Confirm the botanical identity; a photograph alone cannot establish plant identity.
Accessed .
Includes Tagetes patula in its pet-safe plant list.
Source scope and date
Veterinary Poisons Information Service · Source name: Tagetes patula. Tagetes patula only. Confirm the botanical identity; a photograph alone cannot establish plant identity.
Accessed .
Evidence checked . The cat-safety classification remains unresolved.
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How to grow this plant
Tagetes patula only. Confirm the botanical identity; a photograph alone cannot establish plant identity.
- Light
- Sunny position or Some direct sun
Full sun to partial shade.
- Watering
Keep soil evenly moist with good drainage; established plants tolerate some dryness.
- Temperature
- Temperature range not yet established
No preferred numerical temperature range established.
- Humidity
No specific humidity target established.
- Potting
- Average, well-drained soil.
- Through the year
- Remove faded flowers to keep the display going. Watch for fungal problems in wet conditions.
Growing-guide sources
- Tagetes patula ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-10-16
Tagetes patula only. Confirm the botanical identity; a photograph alone cannot establish plant identity.
Growing advice reviewed 2026-10-16. Plant safety is assessed separately.
Safe alternatives
No verified alternative recommendations are available for this guide.