Marigold
African and French marigolds are beautiful in landscape borders and mass plantings. In the late 1960s, Burpee President David Burpee campaigned to have marigolds named the national flower, but roses won in the end. Marigolds, however, still provide a dazzling display of bright cheery flowers with multiple overlapping petals in shades of orange, yellow, red, copper, and bronze.
The African, Aztec, or Mexican marigold (Tagetes erecta) originated in its native Mexico; traveled to Spain, France, and northern Africa; and then was distributed throughout the world. African marigold’s large round/globular 3-6 inch flowers are primarily orange and yellow, without the red of many marigolds, and stand usually singly on stalks 3-4 feet tall. They are striking in mass plantings such as those in the photograph of a display at The St. Louis Herb Society Herb Garden within the Missouri Botanical Garden. French marigolds (Tagetes erecta synonym T. patula) have yellow, orange, red, and multi-color flowers that are about 2 inches wide and 18 inches tall.
Marigolds were used by the Aztecs as a medicine, ceremonial offering, and decoration. In 1552, Spanish conquistadores wrote of Mexican marigolds’ treatment of hiccups, being struck by lightning, or “for one who wishes to cross a river or water safely.” Marigolds are used in ceremonies in Mexico, Central America, India, and Nepal. During Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations around November 1-2, marigolds adorn altars because it is believed that the vibrant colors and pungent scent of marigolds guide the spirits of the deceased to the altars. Marigolds are placed on statutes of the Virgin Mary on All Souls’ and All Saints’ Days. Marigolds, like flowers in general, represent the fragility of life. Garlands of marigolds are worn in India. Marigolds are easy to grow and bloom profusely from May to October in the St. Louis area, where it is considered an annual that may return from seed.
Marigolds grow best in full sunshine with some afternoon shade in Zone 6b, and in moderately fertile (composted), well-drained soil. Seed and transplants are available at local nurseries in spring and summer. Deadheading prevents stems from drooping and encourages more blooms. Marigolds also grow well in containers.
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