Mexican marigolds, known as cempasúchil or Tagetes erecta, are more than just striking flowers with their radiant orange and yellow blooms. These iconic blossoms hold deep cultural significance in Mexico and beyond, particularly during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Their rich history and relatively easy cultivation make them a fascinating subject for gardeners and cultural enthusiasts alike. In this blog post, we’ll explore the storied past of cempasúchil and provide a practical guide to growing these vibrant flowers in your own garden.
Origin: We were given the parent seed of the marigolds in our catalog by a friend from Mexico whose family has grown and saved them for generations in their gardens in the state of Chiapas.
A Brief History of Cempasúchil
The story of cempasúchil begins centuries ago in Mesoamerica, long before Spanish colonization. The Aztecs revered this flower, calling it cempohualxochitl in Nahuatl, which translates to “twenty flowers” (likely referring to the numerous petals or blooms). For the Aztecs, cempasúchil was sacred, used in religious ceremonies, medicinal practices, and as an offering to honor the dead. Its vivid color and strong scent were believed to guide spirits back to the living world, a tradition that persists in modern Día de los Muertos celebrations.
When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, they encountered cempasúchil and brought it back to Europe, where it spread to Africa and Asia. The flower’s journey didn’t stop there—it became a global garden favorite, prized for its beauty and pest-repelling properties. In Mexico, however, its cultural role remained paramount. During Día de los Muertos, families create ofrendas (altars) adorned with cempasúchil petals, forming paths to guide deceased loved ones home. The flower’s pungent aroma and bright hues are thought to attract spirits, bridging the gap between the living and the dead.
Today, cempasúchil is synonymous with Mexican heritage, celebrated not only in Mexico but also in diasporic communities worldwide. Its global popularity has led to increased cultivation, with farmers and gardeners embracing its beauty and symbolism.
How to Grow Mexican Marigolds (Cempasúchil)
Growing cempasúchil is rewarding, whether you’re cultivating them for cultural traditions, garden aesthetics, or their natural pest-repelling qualities. These hardy annuals thrive in warm climates and are relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal for beginner gardeners. Here’s a step-by-step guide to growing your own Mexican marigolds:
1. Choosing the Right Time and Location
• Timing: Cempasúchil thrives in warm weather. Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost in spring (typically March to May in most regions) or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks earlier for a head start. For Día de los Muertos displays, time planting so flowers bloom by late October.
• Location: Select a spot with full sun (6+ hours daily). Marigolds tolerate various soil types but prefer well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
2. Preparing the Soil
• Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches and mix in compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
• Aim for a soil pH of 6.0-7.0, though marigolds are adaptable to slightly acidic or alkaline conditions.
3. Planting Seeds
• Direct Sowing: Scatter seeds on the soil surface and cover lightly with ¼ inch of soil. Space seeds 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety (some grow 1-3 feet tall).
• Indoor Starting: Plant seeds in seed trays with a seed-starting mix. Keep them warm (70-75°F) and moist. Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening off (gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week).
• Water gently after planting to settle the soil.
4. Caring for Your Marigolds
• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established, cempasúchil is drought-tolerant and needs less frequent watering.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) once a month if your soil is poor. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to lush foliage but fewer blooms.
• Deadheading: Pinch off spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Pest Control: Marigolds naturally repel pests like nematodes and aphids due to their strong scent. However, watch for spider mites or slugs in humid conditions. Use neem oil or hand-pick pests if needed.
5. Harvesting and Using Cempasúchil
• Harvest flowers in full bloom for decorations, ofrendas, or crafts. Cut stems early in the morning when flowers are freshest.
• Petals can be dried for use in teas, dyes, or culinary applications (marigolds are edible in small quantities, adding a citrusy flavor).
• Save seeds from dried flower heads for next season’s planting.
6. Companion Planting
• Cempasúchil is a fantastic companion plant. Grow it alongside vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, or beans to deter pests and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
7. Overwintering (Optional)
• In frost-free climates, marigolds may act as perennials. In colder regions, treat them as annuals or collect seeds for replanting next spring.
Tips for success
• If growing for Día de los Muertos, plant in bulk to create vibrant pathways or altar decorations.
• Be patient—seeds germinate in 5-14 days, and flowers bloom 6-8 weeks after planting.
Cultural and Practical Significance
Beyond their beauty, cempasúchil flowers carry profound meaning. Growing them connects you to centuries of tradition, honoring ancestors and celebrating life’s cycles. Practically, their pest-repelling properties make them a gardener’s ally, while their vivid colors brighten any space. Whether you’re planting a single pot or a sprawling garden, cempasúchil offers a unique blend of history, symbolism, and functionality.
Conclusion
Mexican marigolds, or cempasúchil, are a testament to the enduring power of nature in culture and community. From their ancient Aztec roots to their modern-day role in Día de los Muertos, these flowers are a vibrant thread in Mexico’s cultural tapestry. Growing them is not only a way to celebrate this heritage but also an accessible and rewarding gardening project. With a little sun, care, and patience, you can cultivate your own cempasúchil and bring their glowing beauty—and perhaps a few wandering spirits—into your world.
Seeds are available in our catalog and thanks to everyone, especially the Hispanic community in the US, for making this a best-selling flower seed in our catalog!