Description
Among all bedding flowers, marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are among the most widely available and dependable. Warm-colored and bright, these flowers and their fern-like foliage complete their life cycles in one growing season, making them real annuals. The aster family is characterized by flowers that have a daisy-like appearance. The size and structure of the blooms can vary greatly, ranging from the tiny single-petal flowers of signet marigolds to the large 4-inch double-petal blossoms of African marigolds. Typically, marigolds are planted in the spring after the soil has had time to settle, either from seeds or nursery starts.
Habitat
It is indigenous to the Mediterranean region and central Europe. This plant grows readily in sunny regions of Europe and North America. Though it thrives throughout the world, the pot marigold flower is native to southern Europe.
Uses
Traditionally, marigold was utilized to promote immunological function as well as gastrointestinal and digestive health. In Europe, the dried and crushed flowers are used as a yellow food dye and as a source of carotenoids to improve the color and nutritional value of egg yolks in poultry feed.
Types
African marigolds (Tagetes erecta): Also called Mexican marigolds, African marigolds are popular for the border and as cut flowers. They have enormous, pom-pom flowers on medium-sized to tall plants. Their blossoms are more than 4 inches across, and they can reach a height of 4 feet. Orange and yellow are among the colors. African marigolds in the ‘Antigua’ Series have remarkably abundant blooms.
The long, abundant blooms of French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are what make them so valuable. Usually growing to a height of 5 to 18 inches, they are small, bushy plants. Their double flower heads are about 2 inches across and come in yellow, orange, and mahogany hues on purple-tinged stems. “Naughty Marietta” is a French marigold that has maroon splashes in the center and is ruffled, rich yellow in color.
Tangetes tenuifolia, or signet marigolds, are edible marigolds. Their petite, single, daisy-like flowers and delicate, lacy foliage provide them with a very different appearance than bedding marigolds. With appropriate cultivar names like “Orange Gem,” “Tangerine Gem,” “Red Gem,” and “Lemon Gem,” they are available in yellow and orange.
Plant Care
- Light
Plant your marigolds in full light for maximum flowering and healthiest plants. Plants grown in shaded areas will grow lankier and produce fewer flowers.
- Soil
Marigolds are easy to grow. As long as the soil isn’t very acidic, they should be content with any excellent garden soil—plus a little water during dry spells. Maintain the soil’s pH between 6.0 and 7.0, or about neutral. They also seem to grow better in a leaner soil and don’t seem to require very rich soil in organic matter.
- Water
Make sure your marigold plants or seeds receive regular watering when you first plant them. Keep them out of dry soil no longer than a few days. Water newly planted plants daily if the weather is exceptionally hot and sunny. They will be more drought-tolerant after a few weeks to create a strong root system, but weekly watering will still help them bloom at their best.
- Temperature and Humidity
Across their growth region, which includes zones 2 through 11, marigolds are heat-loving plants that flourish in summertime. In regions with hot summers, these true annuals may become somewhat muted in the midst of summer, but later in the summer and fall, when the weather cools off, they resume blooming.
Although marigolds can withstand a broad variety of humidity levels, wet or humid summers can cause powdery mildew on them. Planting in direct sunlight and leaving space for airflow will mitigate this issue. These native plants grow well in relatively dry air in Mexico.
- Fertilizer
Unless your soil is very poor, your marigolds won’t require any more fertilizer. Deadheading frequently is the best way to maintain them in flower.
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