Are Marigolds Edible? The answer is yes and no. There are marigold varieties that are edible, and then there are others that you should stay away from. They are one of my favorite flowers to use in making various dishes.
If you’re looking for more edible flower ideas, Easy Steps to Save Marigold Seeds and How to Grow Roses will help you on your culinary journey.

While marigolds are primarily known for their vibrant colors and ornamental value, certain species within the marigold family, specifically the Tagetes genus, are commonly used in culinary applications. These edible flowers, often referred to as pot marigolds or calendula, have bright yellow or orange petals with a mild, slightly tangy flavor.
They are often used as a garnish in salads, soups, and various dishes, or steeped in hot water to create herbal teas.
It is important to note that not all marigold varieties are safe for consumption, so it’s essential to specifically seek out the edible types for culinary purposes. These non-edible marigolds may contain compounds or chemicals that can be harmful if ingested.
Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) is the perfect flower to add to your garden, In addition to culinary uses, marigolds can be used in tinctures, as pest control, and to bring color to your landscape.
Marigolds are an edible plant that attract beneficial insects to your yard. If you’re looking to add more pollinators to your garden, look no further than the marigold flower.
The wonderful thing about marigolds is you only need a little space to grow them. You need a location that receives full sun and well draining soil.
According to Dr. Axe, you should avoid marigold products if you have an allergy to daisies, ragweed, chamomile, chrysanthemums, echinacea, and other plants in the same family.
Types of Marigolds that are Edible
- French Marigold (Tagetes patula)
- African Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
- Signet Marigold
- Queen Sofia Marigold
- Mexican Marigold
How to Eat Marigolds
Before adding marigolds to your dishes, be sure to cut off the base of the petals. The base is usually white or pale green. You also don’t want the stem. These parts of the plant will make the flowers taste bitter.
Health Benefits of Marigolds
Gargling with marigold tea will help soothe the pain if you have a sore throat. It will also help with acid reflux, ulcers, and reduce stomach cramps.
Marigold-infused water will help reduce inflammation and reduce free radical damage.
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Here are Some Ideas on Using Marigolds in Recipes
Marigold Tea

You can easily make marigold tea. Experiment with the amount of marigold petals you use to taste. I like adding marigold flowers to my green tea and finishing it with a touch of honey.
Marigold Butter
I love to use flowers to add flavor to butter. Marigold butter looks so beautiful on a table, served with scones or biscuits. Here’s a recipe for marigold butter.
Edible Flower Salad

Add fresh marigold petals or the whole head to salads for a beautiful presentation.
Tortellini in Marigold Broth
Using marigolds to infuse broth is a wonderful way to elevate any dish. I love how this dish pairs marigold broth with tortellini to create a beautiful dish.
Use Marigolds as Garnish
We’ve reached the end of Are Marigolds Edible? I hope you enjoyed it.
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