Marigold - Undemanding and Rewarding Annual

In short: Marigolds (Tagetes) are frost-sensitive annuals that do best in full sun and permeable, nutrient-rich soil. They flower from roughly June until the first frosts. Sow indoors in March, in a cold frame or greenhouse in early April, or directly into the bed in May; seeds germinate reliably at around 15 °C. Some 52 species exist.

Marigold (lat. Tagetes) is an annual herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family (Asteraceae). A more widespread name for marigold is African marigold or colloquially "stinker". The colloquial name perhaps captures the only negative characteristic of marigolds - their unpleasant scent. However, this is also an advantage in some cases, as many pests don't like the smell either. Marigolds originate from the southwestern USA, Mexico and South America. The name African marigold is therefore misleading and does not indicate the original homeland of these plants. There are around 52 species of marigolds and almost countless cultivars. They differ in size, flower colour and the flower itself - some species have a simple flower, while others boast full double flowers.

Most Common Marigold Species

• African marigold (large-flowered) (lat. Tagetes erecta) is a marigold species with large flowers that can reach 5 - 10 cm in diameter. Some varieties of African marigold reach considerable heights, but low-growing varieties are more popular among growers, as they are suitable for container growing. A representative example is the Mona variety, which belongs to the group of low marigolds, reaching a height of 25 - 35 cm. It is suitable for growing in beds and pots. The flower colour of this variety is yellow or orange. The flowers are double. Double-flowered marigolds nicely complement their single-flowered counterparts.

• French marigold (lat. Tagetes patula) is the most commonly grown in our regions. It grows to a height of around seventy centimetres. Miniature varieties marked "nana" are approximately half that height. Its flowers can be lemon, yellow, orange or red in colour. Cultivars are particularly decorative. The flowers of the Mr. Majestic cultivar are very decorative, composed of petals shaped like hearts, through the centre of which runs a yellow stripe bordered by two red-brown (mahogany) stripes. This variety is also suitable for growing in beds or pots, reaching a height of around 30 cm. Another variety of French marigold is Fiesta, whose flowers are fuller than the previous variety. The edges of the petals are wavy, mahogany coloured with yellow edging. This variety is also very decorative. It is planted mainly in groups to decorate window sills. It has a bushy growth habit.

• Fine-leaved Marigold (small-flowered) (lat. Tagetes tenuifolia) forms richly branched bushes that are covered with tiny flowers during bloom time. Its popularity has significantly increased in recent years because it blooms tirelessly from spring until frost. The orange-flowering variety (orange) grows to a height of around 30 cm. This marigold cultivar will decorate any window box, flowerbed or border. The Red Gem variety will delight lovers of more intense colors, as the flowers are colored in red-brown (mahogany) shades. Red Gem variety plants form abundantly flowering bushes about 25 - 35 cm tall. If you combine orange-flowering and red-flowering plants in a window box, everyone will envy you.

Growing Marigolds

Marigolds are completely undemanding to grow. They like full sun, but will also tolerate partial shade. You can grow them in ordinary garden soil - in flowerbeds, window boxes and various borders. They will appreciate permeable soils well supplied with nutrients the most. Don't plant them in heavy clay soils, where their roots could rot as a result of waterlogging. During prolonged drought, water the plants in the flowerbed. Marigolds grown in containers absorb large amounts of water in hot weather, so water them even more frequently. They usually ask for watering themselves by wilting their leaves. Fortunately, the leaves quickly recover after watering. Marigolds bloom from approximately June until the first frosts, which will burn the plants. Marigolds are not frost-resistant. You can preserve blooming flowers longer by moving the plant indoors (during expected frosts). During the season, you can support abundant flowering by adding fertilizer to the watering. Plants grown in window boxes will especially appreciate fertilization. You can also decorate your apartment windowsill with miniature varieties.

Plant marigolds every spring - there are several methods...

Marigolds are propagated from seeds. There are several proven methods for growing young and strong seedlings. The first is pre-growing seedlings indoors on a windowsill with plenty of light. Sow marigold seeds in a suitable container filled with horticultural substrate. Water the sown seeds and continue to maintain constant moisture and temperature. The most suitable time for sowing is March, so the plants have time to strengthen before you plant them out. Stronger seedlings establish better and are more resistant to slug damage (slugs don't dare attack larger seedlings). After the last frosts have passed, you can transplant the seedlings into beds or containers. If you're lucky enough to own a cold frame or greenhouse, you can place the sowing there. Seeds will reliably germinate at temperatures around 15°C. Wait to sow until temperatures in the cold frame or greenhouse no longer drop below zero (approximately early April). The simplest sowing method is direct sowing in the bed, which should be done in May when ground frosts are no longer a threat. Young marigold seedlings are very sensitive to temperature - a night frost would certainly kill them.

Tip: If you regularly deadhead spent flowers, your marigolds will bring you joy for a longer period.

Marigolds are considered soil doctors

Planting marigolds in your bed can help protect surrounding plants against pests. Juices released from the root system reliably kill nematodes, particularly soil roundworms (lat. Nematoda). Marigold roots first attract nematodes that attack carrots, celery, beans, roses, and strawberries, then starve them until they die. Another significant benefit for the soil is the very rich biomass of roots that remains after cultivation. The soil gains as much humus from its decomposition as it would from green manuring. It's advisable to use marigold roots to mitigate soil fatigue after long-term cultivation of root vegetables and beans in one location.

Interesting facts

• While people aren't particularly fond of the marigold's aroma, as it can sometimes cause a bitter sensation on the mucous membranes and even allergic reactions in more sensitive individuals, in perfumery, marigold essence is highly valued - it's a traditional component of many perfumes, known as tagette.

• Thanks to their high carotenoid content, marigolds are used in the food industry as a yellow colorant added to oils, pasta, and ice cream. It's designated as lutein - completely harmless E161b.

• Marigold flower tea can help you overcome a hangover and its associated headache. The decoction also helps to soothe an upset stomach. Do not consume marigold in large quantities, as it may cause nausea.