October Birth Flower: Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

Folklore tells us that marigolds traditionally symbolized despair and grief over a loved one. It seems surprising that such a cheerful flower would be associated with death. However, for many cultures, the bright orange and yellow hues represent the rays of the sun or light paths to guide their dearly departed. The orange and yellow tones also represent the beauty and warmth of the rising sun and its power to resurrect. Fortunately, today we focus more on the sunny colors of the marigold, expressing optimism and prosperity.

Marigold flowers are creamy-white, yellow, gold, and red. However, they are best known for their bright orange color, which symbolizes fierce love, creativity, and passion. In addition, the marigold takes on other meanings, such as cheer and joy, winning over someone's love with hard work, and a desire to be wealthy and successful.

People have used marigolds for many purposes throughout history. Ancient Greek, Roman, Indian, and Middle Eastern cultures used certain marigolds for treating ailments, dying fabrics, and creating cosmetics.

Marigolds are native to the Americas, originally growing from the southwestern United States to South America. Their first recorded cultivation began with the Aztecs, who believed that the flower held magical properties. Conquistadors took marigolds to Spain, where monks in monasteries propagated marigolds. Soon, the marigold spread throughout Europe and the world. In medieval England, the flowers and leaves of the plant were a treatment for the plague. In Asia, garlands of marigolds decorate religious statues and are displayed during funerals and wedding ceremonies.

Throughout Latin America, marigolds are a primary decoration for All Saints Day on November 1. The bright orange flowers decorate altars. During Mexico's annual Dio de los Muertos celebration, garlands of marigold flowers adorn deceased relatives' graves and elaborate altars built in many homes. Favorite items of the dead fill the altars. It is believed that the scent of marigolds guides the spirits from the cemetery to the altars.

Marigolds are an easy-to-grow annual plant with carnation-like flowers that are produced singly or in clusters. There are approximately fifty species, but most marigolds in our gardens are one of the following:

African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are sometimes called American or Mexican marigolds and are not from Africa. They are the tallest and most upright marigolds, reaching 3 to 4 feet in height, producing large, full flowers. They thrive even under drought-like conditions.

French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are smaller, bushier, and more compact than T. erecta and are often wider than tall. French marigolds have modest flowers and grow from 6 to 24 inches tall. They are more tolerant of rainy conditions than other Tagetes species.

Signet marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia) are petite marigolds that do well in hot, dry areas and make excellent edging plants. They rarely grow more than 12 inches tall.

Marigolds thrive in full sun and can usually withstand very hot summers. They grow in almost any soil but grow best in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Marigolds grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 11, so they will grow well in Pennsylvania gardens.

Plant French and signet marigolds anytime from spring through midsummer. But the tall African marigolds should be planted immediately in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. This species is slower to mature and produce flowers. Sow seeds directly into the spring garden after the soil has warmed. Marigold seeds sprout within a week in warm soil, and plants typically begin to flower in two months. If you prefer, you can start the seeds indoors, then transplant outdoors for earlier flowering.

When starting marigolds, moisten the soil and sow seeds about 1 inch apart and ¼ inch deep. Thin the seedlings while they are young. Plant French and signet types 8 to 10 inches apart, while the larger African marigolds should be 12 inches apart. Add a mulch layer between plants to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture. When you irrigate marigolds, allow the soil to dry slightly between each watering, then water thoroughly and deeply. Be sure to water more frequently during hot weather. Avoid fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, the first number in the nutrient analysis. A nitrogen-rich fertilizer stimulates more foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Use a balanced fertilizer or one with a higher middle number in the nutrient analysis to encourage flowering.

When planting marigolds in containers, use a soil-less potting mix supplemented with slow-release fertilizer or occasionally water with diluted liquid fertilizer. Take care to space the plants carefully to prevent overcrowding.

Once the marigolds have established themselves, pinch off the tips of the plants to encourage plants to branch and grow compactly. Deadheading or removing spent flowers encourages the plants to form more flowers rather than expend energy forming seeds. Marigolds look much better after deadheading. Fresh, colorful blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators.

Marigolds have few pests or problems, but spider mites and aphids may infest the plants. Usually, insecticidal soap applied according to label directions will solve the problem. Marigolds can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew if conditions are too wet or humid. To prevent fungal issues, avoid getting water on marigold foliage by watering at the base of the plant, keep weeds down, and plant in well-drained soil. If planted in shade and cool, moist areas, marigolds won't bloom well and will be prone to powdery mildew.

Farmers and avid gardeners know that marigolds are an essential cover crop to reduce certain soil nematodes. Nematodes are unsegmented roundworms, and most are harmless. A microscopic root-knot nematode can cause damage to plants causing swellings on the roots. Infested plants grow slowly, produce flowers and fruit poorly, and may be short-lived. Some varieties of French and African marigolds have a chemical in their roots that can suppress root-knot nematode populations. To take advantage of this natural nematicide, plant a thick cover crop of marigolds in the spring. After growing marigolds for several months, till, disk, or dig in the marigold plants. Interplanting with marigolds does not impact root-knot nematode populations.

Marigolds add vibrant color to flower arrangements. Remove any leaves that would be underwater in the vase to reduce bacterial growth from decay. Marigolds can be dried for attractive, long-lasting floral arrangements as well. Strip foliage from stems with perfect flowers and hang them upside down until dry.

Take care if you see marigolds listed as edible flowers. The edible flowers of Calendula officinalis are sometimes called "pot marigolds" or English marigolds. Native to Europe, they add color and a spicy taste to salads and summer dishes. Flowers from Tagetes marigolds are generally considered inedible.

Marigolds are not only beautiful but also quite versatile in and around the garden and household. Try planting the October birth month flower to enjoy throughout the entire growing season!

~ Joan Banyas, Penn State Extension Master Gardener of Luzerne County