All About the Marigold Flower
Everyone knows the marigold. It is widespread and can be found nationwide and internationally as well. It is an unassuming flower, yet very pleasing to the eye. Its name has its origin in religion, like many plants do. Originally called Mary’s Gold, the marigold was named after the mother of Jesus, the Virgin Mary. In Mexico, marigolds were the flowers that were used for the solemn ceremony that is equivalent to the Catholic All Souls Day or All Saints Day. Even today, the marigold is used in Mexico on the feast of the Day of the Dead.
Description of the Marigold Flower
Belonging to a genus of about 56 kinds of species, the marigold also has another name, tagetes, which is not to be confused with the herb tagetes. In some places of the world, the marigold is relegated to the status of weed and is not considered a pretty, desirable flower to grace a garden or to bring into a house. The marigold has a small, flowering head; its leaves are a deep, lush green. From late spring until late fall, the marigold will produce flowers in white, yellow, gold and orange. Some marigolds are a bit fancier with outlined petals in maroon or purple. This small distinction makes them stand apart a little from the rest of these flowers. While it is more common for the marigold to come in an annual growth pattern, it is possible to also get them as a perennial.
Uses for the Marigold Flower
Many people choose to use them in bouquets. Because they come in several different colors, a beautiful bouquet can be arranged with the marigold as the main flower. They are also a cheap flower for table vases. They are not too tall, so conversations with the person across the table will not be interfered with by flowers blocking your view. Marigolds are great to grow along walkways of your house. If you have an empty spot somewhere in your yard that would benefit from a nice, expanding ball of flowers, the marigold is your flower. Once it is planted, it seems to thrive, getting bigger in circumference. The beauty of it is that you need to do almost nothing to have this eye catcher wherever you want it.
Growing the Marigold Flower
Because the marigold has few growth requirements, it is one of the easiest flowers to grow, so even the novice gardener will have no problem getting them to bloom and grow. So long as the marigold has sun, some water and good water run-off, it is happy and will thrive. It is not demanding to have a particular pH or any other nature of soil composition. This hardiness may be why, in some cultures, the marigold earned the name of weed, since it seems to grow abundantly without the need for care. So, if you don’t like marigolds and don’t want them on your property, oversaturate the area where they are growing with water.