The Celebration Flower
Marigolds
Fall is here, therefore it’s time for Marigolds! Marigold can be a tough, determined summer annuals for most northern parts of Arizona, but come autumn, they are in abundance valley wide and a welcome staple and beautiful décor during our 4 ‘Ber’ months.
I personally don’t find that they are worth trying to keep throughout the year because they don’t bloom year-round; but with proper care some varieties can bloom and look beautiful for several months.
Beginning in mid-September through the spring you can plant marigolds (any variety available) at ½ inch deep and 6 inches apart either in full sun or partial shade. It is best not to plant them to closely or too many in a small area as the air can’t circulate around their dense foliage. Carefully, keep them wet but not soggy in the hottest part of the summer through October 1, especially if they are planted in full sun. Marigolds are lovely planted in pots; in flowerbeds and even throughout your vegetable gardens.
These plants are great around doorways, on porches, near pools, and in general sitting areas, as they are known to deter pest. Marigolds contain a natural compound used in many insect repellents.
The scent a marigold gives in often described as noxious, meaning they have a musty, pungent odor. Some say the smell of death and dungeons. The blooms are bright and true color. Their solid 4 colors: gold, orange, yellow, and white and they also come in a pretty golden color center with a rusty red edges.
Marigolds have much significance in the Southwest, as they are the flower that represents the Day of the Dead, a highly honored practice by the Latin community to honor those that have passed on. Their bright color and simplicity gains attention and stimulates memories.
In India Marigolds are considered pure and are a global relations symbol, significant in Hindu, Buddhist, and Catholic celebrations. They hold spiritual meaning for weddings and festivals because they represent the sun, symbolizing brightness and positive energy, both yellow and orange colors are widely used in traditional Indian wedding decorations. Marigold garlands are used to protect the Hindu homes and used as well for symbols of loss of life of soldiers.(atmanirvana.com).
Marigolds are medicinally used in the natural remedy, Calendula. A fantastic cream, lotion or gel, Calendula is known for soothing, often curing skin irritations. Also good for promoting collagen, keeping skin smooth and hydrated.
Desert marigolds are considered perennial plants and are said to live for more than two growing seasons. Although, in my experience, they will stay low to the ground and green but aren’t actually what I would call pretty. I deadhead my blooms to get the plant to stay fuller, greener and continually blooming. Deadheading should be done when the new buds appear. Simply pinch of the top flower. I usually squish and squiggle the pinched heads and drop them remains on the ground around the plant. Other than that, marigolds do NOT need fertilizer, but Mulch, to retain moisture in a plus for healthier , flower producing plants.
Annual marigolds are ruined by frost and usually don’t make it below freezing, even covered so simply pull them up roots and all, after they die. Do not leave them, as they will invite pests to hide and keep warm through the winter.
Mari-mums are large-flower marigolds, often called “African marigolds” but known botanically as Tagetes erecta. They look a lot like the US mid-western chrysanthemum. Quite robust, they will get approximately 10 inches high and the blooms are easily 4 inches wide. These marigolds are actually from Mexico.
I love them and plant them each year. Due to their size, it doesn’t take too many to make a cheery autumn floral display in a small section of your yard or they are wonderful in a large pot on your porch. I have used them for several vased floral arrangements inside the home as well.
For hearty, health, flashy marigolds, all you need is good dark, sandy dirt for good drainage, a nice, deep weekly watering from September-November, and plenty of sunshine. Toss in a few fresh pumpkins to create an inviting fall vibe near the entrance of your home.
Below are photos of my 2021 marigolds, at approximately 2 weeks after planting.
Next Up….. Mums…
