Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
Marigolds might just be the most underrated flower in the garden and this tall Mexican variety is our favorite. The plants grow up to 4 ft. tall with dozens of big blooms in a range of colors from deep orange to yellow. Marigolds make a wonderful cut flower; they attract lots of pollinators and they have been used as a companion plant since antiquity for their ability to deter pests. While marigolds are best known for being a great companion for tomato plants, we've found them to be beneficial planted throughout the garden among all your vegetables.
Marigolds play an important role in the cultures of Native Americans who have used the plant for religious, medicinal and ceremonial purposes for thousands of years. Marigolds are perhaps best known as flor de Muertos ("flower of the dead") in Mexico and are used extensively in the Día de los Muertos celebration on November 1-2. The fragrance of the flowers is believed to help the departed find their way home to visit their living loved-ones.
Note: There are many types of marigold and our variety is tall. Plan for the plants to grow up to 4 ft.
Origin: We were given the parent seed of these marigolds by a friend from Mexico whose family has grown and saved them for generations in their gardens in the state of Chiapas.
(Approximately 30 seeds per packet)
Germination rate: 90% - tested 8/30/24
Planting Instructions: Sow marigold seeds 1/8 " deep every 12" in a sunny location a week after your last frost date. Marigolds can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost and transplanted into the garden.
