Some marigold varieties are edible, while others are not. Pot marigold ([*Calendula*](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/calendula-care-guide) *officinalis*) is the common name for a marigold with bright orange flowers with a mild flavor (the edible marigold leaves have a more peppery taste). The flowers produce a natural orange dye, earning them the moniker: “poor man’s saffron.” French marigolds (*Tagetes patula*) and African marigolds (*Tagetes erecta*) have a more pungent scent but are still technically edible. However, other *Tagetes* species may not be safe to eat; always consult your seed packet or local farmer before consuming new plants.

In addition to their numerous culinary uses, marigold flowers make for excellent [companion plants](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/complete-companion-planting-guide) in vegetable gardens. They have repellent properties that keep nematodes and insects at bay.
Marigolds are an easy way to add color to everything from salad to cake. Here’s what to look for when choosing and preparing edible marigolds:

- __Select an edible cultivar__. There are several edible marigold varieties, including pot marigolds (*Calendula officinalis*), French marigolds (*Tagetes patula*), African marigolds (*Tagetes erecta*), Mexican mint marigolds (*Tagetes Lucida*), and lemon marigolds (*Tagetes tenuifolia*). Mexican mint marigold has a [tarragon](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-tarragon-plus-9-recipes-using-tarragon)-like flavor, while lemon marigolds are more citrusy. If you decide to grow marigolds for eating, check the seed packet to ensure the variety is edible. When purchasing culinary marigolds, ask the farmer or grocer if they are safe to eat. Marigolds sold by a florist may not be edible.
- __Use the flower petals and leaves__. You can use both the golden marigold flower petals and dark green leaves in culinary applications. Marigold petals add a vibrant pop of color to various dishes, such as cakes, soups, stews, braises, and grilled meats. The easiest way to enjoy the flowers is to throw them into a salad, dressed simply with this [vinaigrette recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-a-classic-vinaigrette-with-chef-thomas-keller) from Chef Thomas Keller.
- __Trim off the “heels.”__ Before consuming edible marigolds, remove the white (or pale green) “heels” at the base of the petals, which can have a bitter taste. The center of the flower is entirely edible—it consists of tiny petals.
- __Mix with other edible flowers.__ For the prettiest garnish, enjoy marigolds along with other edible flowers, like nasturtiums, pansies, borage, and violets.
Prepare for any outdoor journey by grabbing a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and committing Jessie Krebs’s wilderness survival course to memory. As a former United States Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape instructor, Jessie can teach you everything you need to know about packing for a trip (neon is the new black), purifying water, foraging (crickets: the other white meat), starting a fire, and signaling for help (forget SOS).   
Some marigold cultivars are edible, while others pose toxicity risks. Learn more about which marigolds are safe to eat and which to avoid.

Some marigold cultivars are edible, while others pose toxicity risks. Learn more about which marigolds are safe to eat and which to avoid.

Are Marigolds Edible? How to Identify and Consume Marigolds

Some marigold varieties are edible, while others are not. Pot marigold (<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/calendula-care-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/calendula-care-guide","linkCopy":"\u003cem class=\"mc-text--italic\"\u003eCalendula\u003c/em\u003e","category":null}'>Calendula</a> officinalis) is the common name for a marigold with bright orange flowers with a mild flavor (the edible marigold leaves have a more peppery taste). The flowers produce a natural orange dye, earning them the moniker: “poor man’s saffron.” French marigolds (Tagetes patula) and African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) have a more pungent scent but are still technically edible. However, other Tagetes species may not be safe to eat; always consult your seed packet or local farmer before consuming new plants.In addition to their numerous culinary uses, marigold flowers make for excellent <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/complete-companion-planting-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/complete-companion-planting-guide","linkCopy":"companion plants","category":null}'>companion plants</a> in vegetable gardens. They have repellent properties that keep nematodes and insects at bay.

Are Marigolds Edible?

Marigolds are an easy way to add color to everything from salad to cake. Here’s what to look for when choosing and preparing edible marigolds:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Select an edible cultivar. There are several edible marigold varieties, including pot marigolds (Calendula officinalis), French marigolds (Tagetes patula), African marigolds (Tagetes erecta), Mexican mint marigolds (Tagetes Lucida), and lemon marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia). Mexican mint marigold has a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-tarragon-plus-9-recipes-using-tarragon' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-tarragon-plus-9-recipes-using-tarragon","linkCopy":"tarragon","category":null}'>tarragon</a>-like flavor, while lemon marigolds are more citrusy. If you decide to grow marigolds for eating, check the seed packet to ensure the variety is edible. When purchasing culinary marigolds, ask the farmer or grocer if they are safe to eat. Marigolds sold by a florist may not be edible. </li><li class="">Use the flower petals and leaves. You can use both the golden marigold flower petals and dark green leaves in culinary applications. Marigold petals add a vibrant pop of color to various dishes, such as cakes, soups, stews, braises, and grilled meats. The easiest way to enjoy the flowers is to throw them into a salad, dressed simply with this <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-a-classic-vinaigrette-with-chef-thomas-keller' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-a-classic-vinaigrette-with-chef-thomas-keller","linkCopy":"vinaigrette recipe","category":null}'>vinaigrette recipe</a> from Chef Thomas Keller. </li><li class="">Trim off the “heels.” Before consuming edible marigolds, remove the white (or pale green) “heels” at the base of the petals, which can have a bitter taste. The center of the flower is entirely edible—it consists of tiny petals. </li><li class="">Mix with other edible flowers. For the prettiest garnish, enjoy marigolds along with other edible flowers, like nasturtiums, pansies, borage, and violets. </li></ul>

How to Identify and Consume Marigolds

Prepare for any outdoor journey by grabbing a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and committing Jessie Krebs’s wilderness survival course to memory. As a former United States Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape instructor, Jessie can teach you everything you need to know about packing for a trip (neon is the new black), purifying water, foraging (crickets: the other white meat), starting a fire, and signaling for help (forget SOS).

Ready to Explore More of the Great Outdoors?

Some marigold cultivars are edible, while others pose toxicity risks. Learn more about which marigolds are safe to eat and which to avoid.

Some marigold cultivars are edible, while others pose toxicity risks. Learn more about which marigolds are safe to eat and which to avoid.
