Short lemon-yellow ray petals surround the central pincushion mass of fertile flowers throughout the cooler months of spring and fall. It also performs well if the summer months are cooler than normal. Deadhead (remove old flowers) to promote increased flowering but leave a few to set seed for next year's crop. Plant it in full sun after danger of hard frosts has passed in moderately moist, fertile soils. The petals can be used as a coloring agent in drinks and desserts.

Pot marigolds are in a different genus than the American marigolds and are native to Europe. They have been cultivated since Medieval times.