Charming rejected marigolds - the best varieties of profusely flowering French Chernobrivtsev

Author: Natalya Category: Garden plants Published: January 29, 2019Republished: February 26, 2019Last edits: January 13, 2021

Marigolds are permanent attendants in flower beds all over the world. It didn’t work out with the seedlings of some fashionable novelty, you missed the deadline or are afraid to take on capricious beauties - plant marigolds! They will never let you down! Probably not a single flower can boast with such confidence that it is not loved primarily for its beauty. And for endurance and unpretentiousness, for continuous flowering, for healing and even magical properties, for aroma and even taste!

• Why are marigolds from home seeds “not like that”?
• Do marigolds from purchased seeds turn out puny and inconspicuous?
• How to help marigolds “breathe”?

Read our article.

Planting and caring for marigolds

• Planting: sowing in open ground at the end of May or beginning of June. For seedlings - in March.
• Flowering: from June to frost.
• Lighting: bright sunlight or partial shade.
• Soil: loamy, well moistened at the beginning of the growing season, nutritious, neutral.
• Watering: regular and sufficient until flowering begins, then moderate.
• Feeding: with mineral solutions: 1st - when the seedlings are 10 cm high, 2nd - during budding, 3rd - at the beginning of flowering.
• Trimming: possible, but not required.
• Reproduction: seed.
• Pests: spider mites, thrips, aphids, caterpillars, snails, slugs.
• Diseases: gray rot, black leg, root rot, viral infections.

Read more about growing marigolds below.

Marigolds (lat. Tagetes) are a genus of perennial and annual plants belonging to the Asteraceae or Asteraceae family. The plants are native to South and Central America. They have long been used in rituals of local Indian tribes, as well as to get rid of various diseases. Marigolds came to Europe in the 16th century and were the first overseas flowers to appear in Russia. Marigold flowers owe their name to Carl Linnaeus, who named them in honor of Tages, an Etruscan demigod, grandson of Jupiter, famous for his gift of fortune-telling and beauty.

Today marigolds, or, as they are also called, black-browed ones, number about 40 species and are cultivated in many countries around the world.

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Botanical description

The stems of marigolds are erect or branched, forming a bush with a height of 20 cm to 130 cm. The root system is fibrous, the leaves are pinnately divided or pinnately dissected, opposite or alternate, the color of the leaves is from light green to dark green. Flower baskets in different shades of yellow, brown and orange. The middle flowers are tubular, bisexual, the marginal flowers are pseudolingulate, with five stamens. The pistil has two stigmas and the ovary is inferior. Marigolds bloom very profusely from June until the first frost. The fruit is a linear achene. Marigold seeds self-sow abundantly and remain viable for 3-4 years. The flowers do not emit a strong spicy smell as much as the leaves of marigolds.

Tagetes rejected: description of the species

Rejected marigolds (Tagetes Patula) or French marigolds are cultivated throughout the world. The annual plant, growing up to 15-60 cm, is used in ornamental gardening, cooking, cosmetics industry, and medicine. The plant has erect branched stems. Marigolds are rejected, what does this mean? The flower owes its name to the rejected side shoots. The leaves are green, pinnately dissected. The edges of the plate are serrated. There is a regular and opposite arrangement.

On Tagetes bushes, basket inflorescences with a diameter of 4-6 cm appear in large numbers. Flowers are formed from tubular and reed petals. Depending on their number, inflorescences are divided into three types:

• simple - consist only of reed petals;
• semi-double – both types of petals are present in equal quantities;
• terry - tubular petals predominate.

Reed flowers are orange, red, lemon, white, red-brown or bicolor. The range of tubular ones is limited to yellow and orange. Marigolds are distinguished by a long flowering period, which covers all summer months and the beginning of autumn until the first frost. The photo shows that as they grow, the rejected marigold bushes form a colorful border along the path.

Growing marigolds from seeds

Planting marigolds is not difficult even for a beginner, since these flowers are completely unpretentious. You can dig in a ready-made flowering bush, and it will almost certainly take root and delight you with long flowering. Or you can easily sow the seeds directly into open ground. This should be done in May, when the soil has warmed up sufficiently. Use a hoe to make a furrow approximately 5 cm deep, water it, sow seeds into the furrow and cover them with soil. The shoots will appear in a couple of weeks, and if they grow too thick, replant them.

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But for those who are not looking for easy ways and are ready to test themselves as a breeder, we will tell you how to sow marigolds, how to grow marigolds from seedlings, how marigolds are obtained from seeds and when to plant marigolds as seedlings.

Preparing seeds for planting

Marigold seeds are purchased only for the first planting, since at the end of flowering you can easily get seeds from your faded marigolds. You just need to let a few inflorescences dry well right on the bush and, if there is no rain, you can easily remove the ripened seeds from the cup, dry them and save them until spring sowing. Just remember that almost all marigolds existing in cultivation are hybrids, which means that every fourth seedling does not retain varietal properties and can inherit either paternal or maternal characteristics.

Many gardeners plant marigold seedlings with sprouted seeds. To germinate, place the seeds on a saucer covered with a damp cloth, place the saucer in a plastic bag and place in a warm place. After three days, the seeds should hatch.

In the photo: Marigold seeds

When to sow seedlings

The sooner you sow marigold seedlings (even in early spring), the faster they will bloom. If you grow different species, then know that upright marigolds are sown earlier than others (in mid-March), low-growing and small-leaved marigolds are sown in early April, and then all three species will bloom in June. Growing marigold seedlings is a simple process, but there are points that should not be missed. Prepare a soil mixture: humus, peat, turf, sand (1; 1; 1; 0.5) and disinfect it by pouring a disinfectant fungicide solution or a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate.

Make sure that at the bottom of the container there is a drainage layer of crushed stone, sand or expanded clay 3 cm high, add fertilizer to the soil (any organic matter, except fresh manure).

Make grooves at a distance of 1.5-2 cm from each other, place the seeds in them and sprinkle with a small layer of soil. You need to water very carefully so that the water does not wash the seeds out of the soil. Keep the containers in a warm place (22-25 ºC) and make sure that the soil does not dry out. Sprouts should appear no later than a week later, then the container should be moved to the light and the temperature should be slightly reduced (15-18 ºC).

In the photo: Sowing marigold seeds for seedlings

When to plant marigolds

Seedlings are planted in open ground when the threat of late frosts has passed: marigolds come from warm regions and cannot tolerate cold weather. In addition, you need to wait until the seedlings have formed at least 3 leaves and a powerful root system. This usually occurs at the end of May or beginning of June. Marigolds need nutritious soil, well-moistened in the first half of summer, loamy and neutral. If the soil is infertile, you will have to fertilize 2-3 times during the growing season.

In the photo: Marigold seedlings in pots

The distance between seedlings depends on the species and variety. Tall marigolds are planted every 40 cm, the distance between the rows is also 40 cm (40x40 pattern), medium-sized ones - according to the 30x30 pattern, low-growing ones - 20x20. After planting, there is a need for frequent and abundant watering of marigolds, because despite the fact that they are considered drought-resistant plants, if marigolds are not watered enough, they will grow puny and their inflorescences will be small.

In the photo: Marigolds blooming in a flowerbed

Watering

Marigolds are plants with a well-developed root system, but they require the same watering as succulent plants. Frequent and abundant watering will lead to the development of diseases and death of flowers.

In nature, marigolds grow in forests with low air humidity and are therefore drought-resistant plants. Flowers should be watered no more than 2 times a week, and the top layer of soil should dry out.

to spray marigolds, only during prolonged, stable heat.

Caring for marigolds

Marigolds love bright light, and although they tolerate partial shade and even shade well, they bloom most luxuriantly in the strongest sun. During growth, watering should be sufficient, but as soon as inflorescences begin to form, watering should be reduced so that the moisture does not stagnate: this causes the plants to rot and not bloom. It is not necessary to fertilize your marigolds, but if you feed them, the marigolds will respond gratefully. You need to feed with complex fertilizers when the seedlings reach a height of 10 cm, then when the first buds appear and, finally, at the very beginning of flowering.

Marigolds need regular weeding and loosening of the soil, otherwise they have difficulty breathing. In summer, if the marigolds have become overgrown, prune them to form beautiful bushes. Remove spent blooms and the plants will bloom even more. The peculiar aroma of marigolds and the phytoncides they contain serve as protection against fungal diseases not only for the plants themselves, but also for those growing in the neighborhood. It’s not for nothing that many gardeners frame their entire garden plot with marigold plantings. snails and slugs may appear . The smell of bleach placed in jars between the plants can scare them away.

gray rot does appear on the leaves and stems . In this case, the affected plants will have to be destroyed so that they do not infect the rest of the marigolds. In dry summers, plants may be attacked by spider mites, which will have to be combated by spraying with infusion of onions, yarrow, and red hot pepper. But to prevent this from happening, try to increase the level of air humidity by spraying water around the marigolds several times a day.

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Types of marigolds

Plant height is the main factor in the classification of marigolds. varieties : Mandarin, Petite Orange, Antigua, Red Gem and Kilimanjaro. The latter is distinguished by milky-white buds that are atypical for a flower. They are terry and large, up to 6 centimeters in diameter. The plants of the group themselves do not exceed 30 centimeters in height.

What unites them is not only their growth, but also their one-year development cycle. Among the dwarf perennials it is worth noting: Orangeflamme, Carmen and a series of Bonanza varieties. They reproduce by self-seeding. New shoots appear in the spring of next year.

Tall species include Glitters marigolds. They are golden in color. The buds are similar to those of chrysanthemums. The diameter of the flowers is small compared to the 110-centimeter height - only 6 centimeters.

Hawaii buds are the widest. These are carnation marigolds. The properties of the variety are to grow up to 80 centimeters and at the same time produce flowers about 15 centimeters in diameter.

Lemon Queen boasts only 9-centimeter buds. But the grass rises 120 centimeters high. Like Hawaii, the species is bushy and dianthus. The color of the buds is much lighter, reminiscent of lemon.

Varieties Smile and Mary Helen are the same height - about 90 centimeters. But the first marigolds have three-colored buds, while the second ones have monochromatic yellow buds. But Helen’s flowers are larger – about 10 centimeters. In Smile, the diameter of the inflorescences does not exceed 8 centimeters.

Marigolds are also divided according to their growth pattern and the location of their trunks. There are Upright and Deflected types. The former have a clearly defined main shoot. In rejected varieties, the trunks are equivalent, the middle of the bush is empty. There are also differences in the size of the buds. On upright varieties they are larger.

Thin-leaved marigolds stand apart . Rejected and Upright plants have straight and thick stems. In Thin-leaved varieties, they are thin and bending, strongly branching.

Representatives of the species are not distinguished by large inflorescences. The diameter of the buds does not exceed 3 centimeters. But the flowering is abundant and the bushes are miniature. The height of the plant does not exceed 20 centimeters.

Recently, a division of flowers by aroma has appeared. In all natural species it is strong and bright. Moreover, the foliage smells stronger than the buds. The strong smell is not to everyone's taste.

Therefore, breeders have developed several varieties without aroma, for example, Gold Kopfen. He's tall. The shoots are light green and the leaves are dark. The inflorescences are red, up to 8 centimeters wide. The buds are spherical and terry.

Marigolds after flowering

As a rule, decorative marigolds are annual plants, so after flowering they are simply pulled out during autumn digging. If you want to grow marigolds next year, collect the seeds, dry them and store them until the end of March or beginning of February.

Do not throw away dried inflorescences; they will be useful to you around the house and in your home medicine cabinet. For example, if you have to work at the computer for a long time, eat 2-3 small heads of dark-colored marigolds before meals or add them to a salad.

In the photo: Dried marigolds

For roundworms or pinworms, adults need to eat 5 heads of marigolds, and children – 2-3 (depending on age), before bedtime for a week.

If you throw a bucket of wilted marigolds into your compost bin, there will be no midges around it.

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Place a bouquet of marigolds on the windowsill and at the front door, and unexpected unkind guests will pass by your house.

And finally, we offer several recipes that may arouse interest among women:

• Lip balm (to achieve softness): Mix 2 tablespoons of crushed marigold heads with 1 tablespoon of apricot oil and 1/3 cup of olive oil. Leave the mixture in the dark for a week, then strain, carefully squeezing out the raw materials. Lubricate lips as needed.
• Facial lotion. Pour 2 tablespoons of crushed marigold inflorescences into a glass of boiling water and leave overnight, then strain, squeezing out the remainder, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of vodka. Store the lotion in the refrigerator. Wipe your face with the infusion three times a day.
• For inflammation or irritation of the facial skin, prickly heat, use this remedy: pour 2 tablespoons of crushed marigold heads into one and a half glasses of hot water, bring to a boil, then leave for 3-4 hours under the lid, strain by squeezing out the raw materials, pour in the juice of a large aloe leaf and 2 tablespoons spoons of water. Store the mixture in the refrigerator. Wipe the inflamed areas twice a day.

Reproduction

Rejected marigolds are easiest to grow from seeds, which have a shelf life of about 2 years.

The substrate prepared for planting seeds must be preheated and then placed in a wide box with small sides.

A layer of drainage made of expanded clay, pebbles or other pebbles is laid on the bottom.

seeds are soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection. Furrows 1.5-2.5 cm deep are made in the ground, into which the seeds are sown and sprinkled with soil on top.

Water as needed when the top layer dries out. Shoots appear within a week. After the seedlings form a pair of leaves, they are planted in separate containers.

Properties of marigolds

A flowerbed of marigolds is an invaluable home pharmacy: modern scientific research confirms the healing properties of marigolds, known from legends and traditions, so growing marigolds not only brings aesthetic pleasure, but also brings real benefits to human health. Lutein, for example, which they contain, reduces the likelihood of developing cataracts.

Traditional medicine also treats diabetes mellitus and inflammation of the pancreas with marigolds. Medicinal marigolds, dried and then infused, treat stomatitis, bronchitis, asthma and colds, and cleanse the blood. To prepare the infusion, you need to pour a tablespoon of crushed flowers into a liter of boiling water, leave for three hours, then strain and drink a glass half an hour before meals for a month.

In the photo: Dried marigold inflorescences

Baths with the addition of marigold decoction have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, relieve stress and anxiety, so they are recommended for depression and neuroses. In addition, the peoples of South America have long used marigolds as a seasoning, for making sauces and baked goods, and for marinades. In the markets of the Caucasus, marigolds are sold as a powder added to pilaf, satsivi and soups and called “Imereti saffron” by culinary specialists.

The French, in order to satisfy the demands of their gourmets, grow marigolds on an industrial scale. Marigold leaves included in marinades give canned vegetables elasticity and a pleasant aroma.

In the photo: Dried crushed marigolds

Here is a recipe for homemade cookies that you will definitely like: beat 4 egg whites into a foam; Grind 2 tablespoons of fresh marigold petals with 100 g of sugar; rubbing 4 tablespoons of butter, gradually add 4 yolks, petals with sugar, then 100 g of flour, and then carefully place the whipped whites on top and mix gently; Place the dough on a baking sheet and bake until the crust is golden. Cut the cooled cake into squares.

Types and varieties

There are many varieties of marigolds in cultivation, but three types of varieties are popular: erect marigolds (usually tall), deviated marigolds (short) and thin-leaved marigolds, which are less common in our latitudes than others. The varieties of these three species are very diverse: among them there are large-flowered and small-flowered marigolds, double and densely double marigolds in all shades of yellow, orange and brown.

Tagetes erecta

Or African marigolds, are giants of the genus, their height is from 30 to 100 cm. The inflorescences, as a rule, are single-colored and double, reaching 15 cm in diameter. Among the most popular varieties are Vanilla marigolds, 70 cm tall with creamy white double inflorescences 12 cm in diameter; Kilimanjaro marigolds 60-70 cm tall with densely double spherical inflorescences; Antigua marigolds, low, up to 25 cm in height, but erect, with large flowers - up to 15 cm in diameter, golden, lemon yellow, orange and bright yellow in color.

In the photo: Vanilla erecta marigold (Tagetes erecta)

In the photo: Yellow marigold (Tagetes erecta)

In the photo: Kilimanjaro erecta marigolds (Tagetes erecta)

Low growing marigold (Tagetes patula)

Either rejected marigolds or French marigolds rarely grow above 60 cm. They are compact bushes with many double and non-double inflorescences, the diameter of which rarely exceeds 8 cm. These marigolds are also called spreading marigolds. The varieties of the Bonanza series up to 30 cm high (Bonanza Bolero, Bonanza Orange, Bonanza Flame, etc.) are in demand among flower growers, having highly decorative double inflorescences of bright flowers 5-6 cm in diameter and a long flowering time; The Carmen marigolds are very beautiful, decorating the flower garden with double inflorescences with corrugated petals of red-brown on the edges and orange-yellow in the middle shades.

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In the photo: Low-growing marigolds (Tagetes patula Bonanza Flame)

In the photo: Low-growing marigolds (Tagetes patula Bonanza Yellow)

In the photo: Low-growing marigolds (Tagetes patula)

Tagetes tenuifolia

Or Mexican marigolds, very different from all other species. Firstly, they have very beautiful lacy leaves, they seem to float in the air, exuding the most delicate aroma. Secondly, their small inflorescences are so numerous that they resemble fireworks of red-orange, golden-yellow and golden-orange lights. They have been cultivated since 1795. Today there are about 70 varieties. They grow no higher than 40 cm, have a powerful root system and adventitious roots on the lower part of the stems. The varieties of greatest interest are Ursula (golden-orange inflorescences), Golden Jam, Gnome, Lulu (golden-yellow inflorescences), Paprika (red-orange inflorescences).

In the photo: Tagetes tenuifolia

In the photo: Tagetes tenuifolia

In the photo: Tagetes tenuifolia

How not to get confused among marigolds and choose the right one. Tip for Beginners

Wide selection of seeds at OBIS Every year the range of colors of wonderful and unpretentious marigolds becomes more and more diverse.
These annuals amaze with the shape of the flower, its size, the velvety and structure of the petals, the height and diameter of the bush forms. One pity is that there are no blue and purple shades yet, or even pure white. Back in the mid-80s, 30 species of marigolds were known, now there are more than 50. We are only interested in those that are cultivated, so we’ll talk about them. There are only three species, but there are many varieties and hybrids thanks to selection methods based on genetic advances. A novice gardener can also understand the abundance of seeds; to do this, you need to know that marigolds, or more correctly, tagetes, are divided into three types: erect or African tagetes, thin-leaved or Mexican, and rejected or French.

Perhaps, now knowing this is the main thing for choosing seeds. In recent years, many conscientious producers have begun to indicate that marigold belongs to a specific species.

The botanical species of marigolds correctly indicated by the manufacturer

If this information is not on the front of the ink packet, it may be on the back in the variety description. Next, you can choose a specimen that is suitable for your garden in height and suits its appearance. The height of the plant is often indicated in one of the upper or lower corners of the package. However, there may be surprises here: we find out the height on the back. But the well-known truth that marigolds are annuals is pointed out with enviable consistency.

erecta forms a compact or spreading bush, but always with a clearly defined main shoot and highly branched stems. The height of plants varies, sometimes even up to 120 cm, and the inflorescences can surprise with a diameter of up to 13 cm. But over time, the stem at the base becomes woody, gradually becoming bare, not pleasing to our eyes at all.

Tagetes erecta

That is why it is better to plant this type of marigold in the background of the flower garden.

Flower shapes vary

This type of marigold is as unpretentious as the others. All parts of the plant have a familiar aroma, it is easy to grow, which we will talk about at the very end.

The most common non-double form of marigold erecta

As they fade, the drying heads of erect marigolds should be removed, thereby preserving the decorative appearance of the plant and the flower garden as a whole, as well as accelerating the opening of new buds. In the photo these marigolds are at the end of the season, so the petals are untidy.

The second type of marigold that I would like to write about is Tagetes tenuifolia. Grandmothers loved it very much in the “early” time; they planted these cute flowers in front gardens and in front of the fence of houses in the Moscow region. The history of their entry into our gardens is shrouded in mystery, but the fact remains that not everyone still has them. Thin-leaved plants were brought to Europe in the second half of the 16th century.

In Latin American countries, tagetes is still considered a magical plant, and its inflorescences are used in religious ceremonies. Seeds have only begun to appear in garden stores in recent years, although seedlings could be found at the occasional spring market, distinguished by their needle-like leaves. Tagetes thin-leaved has very small pinnately dissected leaves with narrow lobes.

Very old variety, own seeds

Inflorescences are small baskets from 1.5 to 3 cm in diameter, collected in corymbs. Another old variety, purchased from grandma at the market a year ago...

Previously, the choice of colors was not rich - only yellow-orange shades, but now new bright colors have appeared.

New varieties

It is these exquisite marigolds that are ideal for a beginning gardener, since their unpretentiousness is beyond praise.

Marigold thin-leaved

If the seedlings fall under frost, they can be cut off; cutting them will only be beneficial. The plant will recover easily, again forming a hemispherical bush up to 40 cm high, or even higher.

Photo from 2007

Fine-leaved marigolds have only their own subtle aroma. It is their petals that are added to oil, vinegar and dough to obtain a golden color. The seeds ripen well in short summer conditions (I am writing about the Kostroma summer). For seeds, you need to mark and leave a good head, dry it, select identical and complete seeds, fortunately, this is easy to do.

The third and equally unpretentious type of marigold is Tagetes patula. They are the most common and so diverse that there is no point in writing about their varieties, besides, new ones are constantly appearing.

Velvet flower

The season is passing, and new items are already waiting for us. And again you need to choose according to your taste.

Very similar to 'Harlequin'

The height of rejected marigolds ranges from 15 to 50 cm. Their main difference is that the stems branch at the base, and the side shoots are rejected. Their inflorescences sometimes reach gigantic sizes - up to 13 cm. Over the summer, the plant turns into a ball with a diameter of up to 50 cm, withstands winds and rains, and remains decorative without pruning the faded heads until cold weather. And only frost can destroy this beauty in minutes.

Tagetes rejected

The most common marigolds of this species are yellow and orange, not very double and very dense.

Tagetes, small in height, deflected

Even when the heads fade, the bushes retain their decorative properties, just like the fine-leaved marigolds.

Low-growing tagetes rejected

How do we choose? We select according to the height and shape of the flower, according to the desired color of the petals, remembering that the end result will be a lush bush.

I think it’s worth telling about one variety of rejected Tagetes. This is a cheerful and playful 'Harlequin'. Produces a lush and elastic bush up to 50 cm high with a mass of bright flowers of different colors. If you pinch it early, the height will be up to 40 cm, but the width of the bush up to 50 cm will surprise you.

'Harlequin' was accidentally mown down, but managed to grow

Rejected Tagetes “drape” any beds well. Information that marigolds repel pests, improve the soil, enriching it, does not yet have a scientific basis, since serious research has not yet been conducted. Perhaps we will find out about them someday... But summer residents firmly believe in it. The field of science that studies the influence of plants on each other is called allelopathy. Practicing gardeners deal with the problem of plant interaction in mixed plantings of vegetables. The deeper you dive into the problem of how plants interact with each other, the more you feel the lack of publications and research on this topic.

In foreign literature there is a summary table of the beneficial effects of aromatic plants on garden crops, compiled using the “labeled atoms” method. Based on this table, marigolds have a beneficial effect on the growth and development of roses, potatoes and tomatoes. In addition, the smell of marigolds repels aphids, cabbage flies, and nematodes. But it is not advisable to plant beans next to marigolds, as these fragrant flowers will have a depressing effect on them.

'Harlequin' improves mood near a bed of potatoes and beans

Marigolds 'Harlequin' are cheerful, perky, funny, unusual. The variegated color of the velvety petals and a variety of flowers on one bush will lift your spirits even in cloudy weather.

Growing all marigolds has general rules. If there is lighting, then it is ideal to grow large bushes from March. You can propagate them by seed by seedlings from April, or sow them in the ground at the end of May (for the middle zone). But... it is permissible to sow them together with cabbage (only the snow will melt away) in a high box bed, covered with white covering material. The seedlings are hardened, short-legged, and can be planted without fear. Marigolds tolerate transplantation well, so there is no need to use individual cups.

The place for planting should be chosen to be bright and the soil should be nutritious. During return frosts, seedlings should be covered with a bottle or jar. These marigolds are taller than their windowsill counterparts. Rejected Tagetes and other thin-leaved ones should be pinched in order to get a dense bush in a short time. In the first half of summer, that is, during the period of intensive growth, all marigolds require regular watering. And this is not a whim, but a condition for the beginning of early flowering; mulching will make the task of preserving moisture easier.

As you can see, these flowers do not require much effort. All marigolds can be grown in flower beds and containers, and with a minimum of effort, we can decorate our plot with them until frost. I hope that my story will help beginning gardeners easily select and grow their own marigolds, and only their own.