Spotlight: Marigolds
Autumn is when these flowers really shine. From it’s Halloween orange color, to the deeply sacred ties it holds for Day of the Dead in Mexico, there is so much beauty that this flower represents. Let’s dive in together to learn more about what makes them so special during fall and year round —
more on marigolds
Its name is derived from the English words “Mary’s Gold” and is a popular species native to North and South America due to their tolerance to drought and vibrant petals. Originating from the Tagetes family, it makes these orange blooms related to the sunflower, which seems perfectly fitting, right? In Nepal, Marigolds are celebrated as the “hundred-leafed flower” and is the main floral used to make garlands for significant gatherings such as weddings, religious events, and festivals. They are highly identifiable in Mexico during Day of the Dead celebrations as they are identified as the “flower of the dead” to remember loved ones who have passed.
popular marigold types
You can find over 50 species of Marigolds grown throughout North and South America, ranging from 5 inches to 3 feet high! Their petals come in differing colorways such as orange, white and yellow. At times, you’ll see slight variegations or the tips of petals lined with an alternate color. The three types of Marigolds that are the most popular are:
African Marigolds (T. erecta) — usually grown to be sold as cut stems; these are the ones you most likely see at your neighborhood grocery store
Signet Marigolds (T. tenuifolia) — these are considered the native and wild Marigolds found in Mexico, Peru and most of Central America.
French Marigolds (T. patula) — native to Mexico and Guatemala, these are smaller in size and have a more diverse color range
how to care for them
Marigolds are some of the easiest plants to grow and nurture, so you don’t need much to reap a bountiful harvest. Most are grown as annuals, but there are species that are able to thrive in warmer months. For today, we will be covering the care for an annual type of Marigold. And if you’re looking to grow them from seed, they are the most commonly found seed in nurseries!
Light: need full sun to remain healthy
Soil: well-drained, moderately fertile soil
Water: they prefer to be watered at the base of the plant and to dry out completely before the next watering
Planting: they are well suited to grow in both containers or soil, so you get to pick! Containers make it easier to keep track of the moisture of the soil, but it also can be measured when directly planted in the ground.
interesting facts
Did you know that Marigolds are edible? They can be used for culinary purposes or to decorate desserts.
They attract pollinators year round! This is a great plant to have in your yard if your goal is to host pollinators in your garden, especially butterflies.
The petals act as a natural dye and can be used to dye an array of fabrics. Try it out at home!
Because they’re named French & African Marigolds doesn’t mean they’re from there! In fact, they’re from the Americas, but the names highlight where they have been heavily exported.
In Mexico, Marigolds are sacred as they are supposed to guide spirits with their potent scent and saturated color.
Because of their strong scent, they are great at repelling pests and deer in your landscape.
