In this study, marigold (Tagetes erecta) leaves of 40 different genotypes were used as explants to induce adventitious buds formation to select the best regenerating genotype. In addition, main factors impacting the selected genotype’s regeneration and vitrification were analyzed, including hormone combinations, the way of explant incision, curing agent and sucrose, etc. Finally, different types of elongation medium were explored. The best regenerated genotype was marigold Milestone·Yellow. The best regeneration medium was MS media supplied with 0.2 mg·L^‒1 TDZ, 0.5 mg·L^‒1 IBA, 8 g·L^‒1 agar, and 40 g·L^‒1 sucrose, in which the regeneration rate was 70% and the vitrification rate was reduced to 16%. Whole leaflet was the most suitable explant among different leaflet segments; the best performing elongation medium was MS media supplied with 8 g·L^‒1 agar and 30 g·L^‒1 sucrose, and the elongation rate was 91.3%. This study establishes an efficient and stable regeneration system of marigold, and solved the serious vitrification problem commonly found during regeneration. It laid a foundation for marigold genetic improvement and gene function research.