Kilimanjaro White African Marigold Seeds

Tagetes erecta

It took 21 years and thousands of dollars to develop a white marigold that made its debut in 1975. By growing 'Kilimanjaro White', you become a part of the horticultural history and determination that led this seed to your very garden. An awe-inspiring color in the world of marigolds, these 2½" vanilla-white blossoms make a fabulous contrast in any garden and cut-flower arrangement. They have a lovely, sweet scent; different from other marigolds. Edible petals with a slightly bitter, citrusy/spice flavor make a pretty garnish on rice, salads, or desserts. Marigolds attract butterflies and are fairly drought tolerant.

$2.69 ~0.2g (~48 seeds)
4.1
Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars
65

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Features

Family

Family

Asteraceae
Native

Native

Mexico and South America
Life Cycle

Life Cycle

Annual
Plant Height

Plant Height

Medium (12" - 24")
Flower Color

Flower Color

White
Bloom Season

Bloom Season

Summer to frost

Further Information

Plant Characteristics

Plant Characteristics

  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower
  • Edible Flower
  • Good for Containers
Growing Conditions

Growing Conditions

Drought Tolerant
Plant Resistance

Plant Resistance

  • Deer Resistant
  • Rabbit Resistant

About Kilimanjaro White African Marigold Seeds

Tagetes erecta

2"–3" creamy white blooms

Planting Marigold

Plant Spacing

Plant Spacing

A group of 3 seeds every 9"–12"
Light Required

Light Required

Full Sun
Plant Height

Plant Height

Medium (12" - 24")
Planting Depth

Planting Depth

¼"

Planting Details

Seed Depth ¼"
Seed Spacing A group of 3 seeds every 9"–12"
Thinning When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 9"–12"
Germination 5–14 Days
Start Indoors RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date.
Direct Sow 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 70°–80°F.

Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone

4.1
Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars
Based on 65 reviews
Slide 1 selected
Rating
Ratings
Which best describes you as a gardener?
Which best describes you as a gardener?
65 reviews
  • Robin
    Verified Reviewer
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    9/8/26
    No white but worth the wait!

    I direct seeded after my seedlings failed so just started to get flowers in late August (zone4b) but even the huge non-flowering plants seemed to ward off pests in our tomato bed. I am so glad I didn’t plant in my white garden because for us, these were much more pale/light yellow than vanilla white but beautiful nonetheless. Beware if planting in your veg beds to plan space for plants that are enormous; 3-4 feet, bushy and now full of lovely creamy yellow blooms.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    BI Profile picture for Botanical Interests
    Botanical Interests
    9/9/26

    Hey Robin,

    We're so happy to hear that your Kilimanjaro White African Marigold Seeds ended up being such a success in your garden! It sounds like those huge, bushy plants were absolute powerhouses - especially with how they helped protect your tomato bed from pests. And those creamy yellow blooms sound absolutely gorgeous, even if they turned out to be more pale yellow than the vanilla white you were expecting.

    I'd like to share a few fun facts about the "Vanilla White" in the Kilimanjaro White African Marigold. It refers to a soft, creamy off-white rather than a pure, bright white. Breeding this color was a major 21-year breakthrough, as marigolds naturally grow in yellow-to-orange hues. While the petals are a creamy vanilla-white, the flower's deep yellow center anthers and natural warm lighting (like shade) can make the bloom appear slightly yellow overall.

    We appreciate your review, and we hope you enjoy growing this truly unique, groundbreaking variety! Keep on growing 🌻

  • Jennifer R.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 1 out of 5 stars
    7/22/26
    None came up

    None of these came up. If they did, they weren’t white. Shame.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    BI Profile picture for Botanical Interests
    Botanical Interests
    7/23/26

    Hey Jennifer,

    Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️

  • Julien T.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 1 out of 5 stars
    6/19/26
    Bad batch?

    Did not sprout

    BI Profile picture for Botanical Interests
    Botanical Interests
    6/25/26

    Hey Julien,

    Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️

  • Nicholas C.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    4/8/26
    Awesome

    Can't wait to see it flower. 4 outta 4 on germination rate

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    BI Profile picture for Botanical Interests
    Botanical Interests
    4/12/26

    Hey Nicholas,

    We're so thrilled to hear you got a perfect 4 out of 4 germination rate with your Kilimanjaro White African Marigold Seeds! That's absolutely fantastic! These stunning white beauties are going to be absolutely gorgeous when they bloom - those big, fluffy white flowers are going to add such elegant charm to your garden. You're in for such a treat when they start flowering! Keep on growing 🌻️

  • Bibi
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3/31/26
    Great performance seeds

    I did both indoor and outdoor sowing, they were high germination. I like the creamy white flowers.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    BI Profile picture for Botanical Interests
    Botanical Interests
    3/31/26

    Hey Bibi,

    We're so thrilled to hear about your fantastic results with the Kilimanjaro White African Marigold Seeds! It sounds like you really got the best of both worlds with your indoor and outdoor sowing - and that high germination rate is exactly what we love to hear! Those creamy white flowers are absolutely stunning, aren't they? There's something so elegant and unique about these white marigolds compared to the traditional orange and yellow varieties. Thanks for sharing your success with us! Keep on growing 🌻️

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