Identifying Marigold Seedlings: Cotyledons vs. True Leaves

What Marigold Seedlings Look Like at Emergence

Dwarf marigold seedlings first show a pair of oval, smooth-edged leaves called cotyledons (seed leaves). These do not resemble the mature foliage.

Marigold just emerged

At this stage, only the two cotyledons are visible.

Marigold with true leaves

The upper leaves with jagged edges are the true leaves. The lower oval leaves are the cotyledons.

View all four stages here: Marigold seedling gallery.

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