Marigolds

It is no surprise that, like the sunflower, marigolds were an honored flower of the Aztecs.  Equally, in both the past as well as presently, Hindus have a special appreciation for this lovely bloom and often incorporate marigolds into their various religious rites.  Finally, since the marigolds are resilient to disease and are relatively easy to grow, their popularity among gardeners and flower lovers is worldwide.

Marigolds grow in a variety of hues including orange, reddish-brown, yellow, and even multi-colored varieties and are known by an assortment of names including Calendula, Caltha, Golds, Ruddes, Oculus Christi, Pot Marigold, and Marygold.  Likewise, marigolds come in a variety of species including the African marigolds, French marigolds, Signet marigolds, Tangerine-scented marigolds, Spanish Tarragon, Irish lace marigolds and finally, the Pot marigolds.

The common marigold possesses an odor that is somewhat bitter.  However, some species of marigolds, like the African marigolds, possess bitter-sweet aromatic properties while other species, like the Tangerine-scented marigold, produce a pleasant odor. Marigolds are easy to propagate and can grow to be anywhere from 6 to 36 inches in height. 

Interestingly, marigolds act a lot like the sunflower.  In addition to the veneration the received from the Aztecs, both the sunflower and the marigold open their blooms to the eastern horizon at dawn, and close their blooms while facing the western horizon at dusk.  Thus, both the sunflower and the marigold have been flowers that have been and continued to be emblematic of the sun.

The varying heights in which marigolds reach make it an excellent flower for both gardening and freshly cut floral arrangements.  Typically, when a gardener plants borders or edges, they rely on the dwarfed varieties of the species, while those who desire fresh cut flowers will grow the taller growing species.  Finally, if a gardener is uncertain as to what variety of marigold is suitable for their needs; they can easily get advice from a representative at their local home and garden shop.

Marigolds are typically planted in the early spring months and will bloom until the first frost.  Further, marigolds fair well in a variety of soil types and are particularly resilient to disease and insects.  Also, they can be grown successfully from seeds or from transplanting of plants that have already begun to grow, however, due to the fact that marigolds are an annual bloom, they will require replanting the following year. 

Besides being used as yard borders, edgings, and freshly cut flowers, marigolds are frequently used for their medicinal properties; certain properties of the marigold act as an anti-inflammatory and therefore make the plant an excellent remedy for a number of skin ailments including acne and burns.  Additionally, marigolds are believed to assist wounds in healing faster.

Frequently, marigolds are used as oils and ointments for external ailments.  Likewise, marigold is often used as a tea for internal ailments, as marigolds are believed to assist the digestion system and to enhance human metabolism. To finish, many gardeners love to use marigolds in their garden simply because of their insect repelling properties.