Green

Marigold

Note Profile

Natural 86 perfumes

Also Known As

Pot Marigold

About

Marigold in perfumery typically delivers a sharp, green, and aromatic scent with herbal and somewhat fruity undertones. It can also impart a slightly bitter, pungent nuance reminiscent of fresh foliage or crushed leaves. This note is often used to add brightness and freshness to floral or green compositions.

Scent Profile

Marigold, also known as tagetes, has a distinctive green aroma with bitter, herbal facets and subtle fruity and spicy undertones. Its scent is sharp and fresh, evoking crushed leaves and wild foliage. As it develops, it can reveal hints of apple-like fruitiness and a slightly resinous edge.

Citrus 0%

Floral 35%

Fruity 0%

Green 65%

Sweet 0%

Warm 20%

Woody 0%

Earthy 10%

Animalic 0%

Fresh 0%

Origin

Marigold essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the fresh flowering tops of Tagetes minuta or Tagetes erecta, primarily cultivated in India, South America, and Africa. The flowers are harvested at full bloom to maximize aromatic yield. The resulting oil is a concentrated source of the plant's characteristic scent compounds.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers typically use marigold as a top or heart note to impart brightness and a green lift to compositions. It blends well with citrus, herbal, and floral notes, and is often used to add complexity to green, chypre, or fougère fragrances. Its distinctive profile can also temper sweetness or add a naturalistic touch to modern accords.