Are marigolds annual or perennial? Marigolds: varieties, their names with descriptions and photos

One of the popular and common types of flowers that are found in most garden plots are marigolds. They are widely used in landscape design, decorate city flower beds and parks. In addition to its bright, rich color, the plant is dominated by a number of other qualities. They are used in dry form as a spice for meat, fish, and also have beneficial properties and are used in folk medicine. There are varieties of marigolds - both perennial and annual. The flower belongs to the family of Asteraceae or Asteraceae plants. The birthplace of this beautiful flower is America. Currently, the plant has more than 40 varieties of marigolds, which were bred from the original species of the plant. According to one version, the flower received its name in honor of God, who could predict the future and was distinguished by its unearthly beauty. In common parlance, these flowers are called black-browed flowers, but among gardeners, as a rule, they are called marigolds.

What are marigolds like?

Depending on the variety, the plant can reach a height of 20 to 130 cm. The bushes are highly branched, but at the same time they look very compact.

The root system is quite developed and stays well in the ground. The flowers of the plant have inflorescences of varying complexity and can be simple or double. The diameter of the inflorescence can reach up to 12 cm. They differ from other flowers in their rich color and brightness. There are no faded inflorescences. IN middle lane In Russia, one-color or two-color ones are more common. The predominant shades and colors of the plant are yellow, orange, burgundy, and red. Flowering occurs from the end of May and can continue until the onset of frost and cold weather. The plant has a strong smell, but it comes not from the flowers, but from the foliage. They are a soil disinfectant; the uniqueness of the flower is in reducing the risk of the appearance and proliferation of pests in the soil. The predecessors of the marigolds will be created favorable conditions for growth, since the soil will not be infected. Reproduction occurs by dispersing seeds, which are capable of sprouting in the same place for 3–4 years.

Plant varieties

Marigolds, according to their structure, flowering, and species, are divided into species, of which there are quite a lot. Tall, short and thin-leaved are the species that mainly grow in our gardens. Subsections, in turn, also have varieties. For example, they can be of different colors, double and simple, large-flowered, or, on the contrary, have inflorescences of small flowers.

Read also: Growing vegetable amaranth

African marigolds

Erect plants that came to Soviet gardens from Southern Mexico. They most likely got their name not from their place of origin, but because of their growth. In other words, African plants are giants in the family of these plants. Their bushes reach a height of 80 to 130 cm. Erect flowers are divided into 3 subspecies depending on height:

1. The first are gigantic, capable of growing over 90 cm.
2. The latter belong to the category of tall, reaching a height of 60 to 90 cm.
3. And low ones from the giant category, not exceeding 45 cm in size.

African ones are very branched and have a reverse pyramidal shape. The bushes are spreading, but look very compact. The plant consists of a main shoot from which lateral processes grow to the side, tending upward. The leaves are straight, smooth, glabrous, have color shade from light green to darker saturated color. Marigold inflorescences are a basket that has many small petals along the edge. The color can be yellow, orange and have a range of colors from light to dark. Inflorescences can be simple, double or semi-double. The African marigold bush can produce up to 300 seeds per year.

Original variety of marigolds

Separately, it is worth highlighting white perennial marigolds, because this is a real achievement of breeders. It took many decades to get this result. These hybrids belong to the African, erect plant species. Large inflorescences have delicate creamy-white colors, which gives marigolds an original and unique appearance. When carrying out selection, the most large species African marigolds, so the resulting flower is tall. A significant disadvantage of white marigolds is their high cost; the seeds are sold individually. But breeding them from flowering white marigolds is impossible, since the species is a hybrid.

French marigolds

Plants reaching a height of 15 to 60 cm. Their homeland is mountainous Mexico. Also called rejected or small-flowered. There are 4 division groups according to height.

• The first category is tall marigolds with a height of 50 to 60 cm.
• The second is medium-sized from 40 to 50 cm, having a double inflorescence.
• With simple and double inflorescences there are low ones from 25 to 40 cm.
• The growth line of flowers is completed by Lilliputians, whose height ranges from 15 to 25 cm.

Read also: Planting time and cultivation of exquisite godetia

The low-growing marigolds themselves are dense, highly branched bushes that can be spreading or compact. It has deviated side shoots tending upward. The leaves are dark green in color, having an opposite and alternate arrangement. The inflorescence baskets are not large, with a diameter of 4 to 6 cm. In appearance they are simple, semi-double or double. They bloom in light yellow, bright orange or red-brown shades. Two-color flowering is possible. Able to bear fruit and reproduce by seeds. Unlike giant ones, low-growing ones are less suitable for cutting, but look great in flower beds, grown in vases, and on balconies.

Mexican marigolds

Thin-leaved plants that came from Mexico. They are the most delicate marigolds compared to other species. Marigolds do not require special attention, but the Mexican ones cannot do without demanding care. Breeders have developed varieties of fine-leaved marigolds, more than 70 species. They bloom very richly and abundantly, delighting with their beauty until frost. They are a highly branched bush, reaching a height of 15 to 40 cm. It takes on a spherical shape. The stems of the plant have green color, in structure they are straight, bare, in strength they can be fragile or strong. Mexican marigolds have light green small leaves. The diameter of the inflorescences is from 1.5 to 3 cm, simple or two-colored. The predominant colors are yellow and orange. They are widely used in landscape design. Can be grown at home. They reproduce well by seeds, which are dispersed after the plant blooms.

Beneficial features

Marigolds are unique flowers of their kind, which are widely used in folk medicine. All types of plants have useful qualities for a person. The plant contains lutein, which is used to treat cataracts. Beneficial features has a decoction of dried marigolds.

1. It is able to treat colds, bronchitis, asthma, stomatitis.
2. It is believed that the decoction can purify the blood.
3. The plant is suitable for adding to baths, which, when taken, creates a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
4. Allows you to relieve stress and anxiety, recommended for depression and neuroses.

Where and how to plant marigolds

The plant is unpretentious, drought-resistant and shade-tolerant, loves warmth and cannot withstand frost. When determining the planting location, it is worth considering that marigolds can grow both in the shade and in a sunny area. But in terms of priority, a place in the sun will be favorable. The soil should not be waterlogged and without organic fertilizers. Marigolds grow well in loamy soils.

Read also: Features of growing and feeding marigolds for abundant flowering

It is recommended to sow low and medium-sized marigold varieties with seeds in May. Sowing is carried out in open ground, after which the plantings must be covered with trasil or other material to protect against possible frosts. Before planting, seeds should be placed in a damp cloth and planted germinated. Grooves are made at a short distance from each other and seeds are placed there. Sprouts appear in a period of 5 to 10 days. After germination, when the sprouts rise to optimal height, you need to thin out, removing weak and small stems. If the seedlings are very good and there is no point in removing them, but the distance between them is small, then some of the sprouts can be used as seedlings.

Planting seedlings

Marigold sprouts that are suitable for planting in open ground should have 2 - 3 pairs of leaves. You can plant flowering seedlings.

The ideal time for replanting is when the risk of frost is completely eliminated.

There is no need to apply any fertilizer before planting. For giant marigold species, the optimal distance between bushes will be 40 cm. Low and medium-sized ones will get along well at a distance of 20 cm from each other. Afterwards, holes are made 7 cm deep, which are spilled with water and planted with part of the seedling soil. The survival rate of seedlings is almost one hundred percent, regardless of at what stage of growth or flowering the transplant was performed. Mostly perennial marigolds are planted as seedlings.

Plant care

No special conditions are required. A gardener will care for marigolds along with other plants. It requires watering, loosening the soil, weeding, and sometimes you can add fertilizer.

The plant does not need a large amount of moisture, but during dry periods and active growth After planting there is a need for constant watering. A growing season without sufficient water supply will inhibit the growth process, and the inflorescences may be small and unsightly. An excess of moisture will be detrimental to marigolds, and there will be a risk of plant rotting. Particularly sensitive to a large number water are erect marigolds.

As for fertilizers, it is necessary to use mineral ones and not use them during the growing season. You should constantly weed and loosen the soil. Failure to carry out these procedures will lead to a lack of respiration of the root system, which is so important for marigolds. In addition, during the process of active growth and flowering, the bushes should be thinned out, old leaves, stems, and faded buds should be removed, especially if the marigolds are perennial.

Marigolds (lat. Tagetes) are flowers that are distinguished by many types and varieties, among them there are both annual and perennial varieties. Marigolds, or marigolds, belong to the class Dicotyledonous, superorder Asteranae, order Asteraceae, family Asteraceae, subfamily Asteraceae, tribe Marigold, genus Marigold.

International scientific name: Tagetes ( Linnaeus).

Although in Europe this amazing flower was introduced back in the 16th century, it received its scientific name only in the middle of the 17th century, when the naturalist Carl Linnaeus created a classification of species. The scientist, struck by the beauty of the plant, named it in honor of the beautiful Etruscan demigod Tages, who is the grandson of the supreme god Jupiter.

The flowers received the Russian name “marigolds” because of their petals, the surface of which resembles velvet. This feature is most pronounced in dark-colored varieties.

The British call this plant “marigold”, which means “Mary’s gold”, the inhabitants of Germany know it as “Studentenblume” - student’s flower, and in Ukraine these beautiful flowers are called “chornobrivtsi”, or Chernobrivtsi. For the people of China, these flowers are a symbol of health and longevity; it is not for nothing that they are called “flowers of a thousand years.”

Barharians - description, structure, characteristics. What do marigolds look like?

Marigolds have a developed fibrous root system and strong, strong, erect stems. Depending on the species or varietal, the bushes can be either compact or spreading, with a height of 20 cm to 2 meters.

Marigold leaves, painted in all shades of green, can be pinnately dissected, pinnately divided, or even whole with edges cut by denticles. On the stem, the leaves can be arranged in a regular order or opposite each other (opposite).

Marigold inflorescences are formed from tubular and reed flowers, whose wide corollas are located horizontally. Depending on the shape and number of petals, marigolds are:

1. Simple (non-double) - inflorescences that have from 1 to 3 rows of reed petals;
2. Semi-double - inflorescences with no more than 50% reed petals;
3. Terry - flowers with more than 50% reed or tubular petals. Terry marigolds, in turn, are divided according to the shape of the inflorescences into:
   • Anemone-shaped (reed petals are located at the edges of the inflorescence, and tubular in the center);
   • Dianthus, or carnation-shaped (only reed petals are present in the inflorescence);
   • Chrysanthemum-shaped(only tubular petals are present in the inflorescence).

The color of marigold petals can be:

• yellow,
• reddish brown
• orange,
• white,
• citric,
• motley.

The inflorescences themselves have a rather sharp and specific aroma, which vaguely resembles the smell of asters. The flowering period of marigolds begins in June and lasts until the onset of frost. After its completion, a strongly flattened fruit of black-brown or black color is formed and ripens. Each seed pod contains many seeds that remain viable for 3-4 years. In 1 gram there are usually from 270 to 700 seeds.

Types and varieties of marigolds, photos and names.

According to the database www.theplantlist.org, there are currently 53 species of annual or perennial marigolds, of which only 3 species (erect, deflected and slender-leaved) are the best known. Based on them, breeders have developed a huge number of series and varieties. Below is a description of several varieties of marigolds.

Erect marigolds (African) (lat. Tagetes erecta).

This species includes annual plants with a fibrous root system. The compact or spreading bushes formed by these marigolds have a height of 0.4 to 1.2 meters and an inverse pyramidal shape. The main shoot is clearly defined, the side shoots look upward. The color of unpaired pinnately dissected leaves with denticles along the edges varies from light green to dark green, and they are located on the stem in a regular order. Large single-color, less often bicolor, inflorescences of marigolds of this species can be simple, semi-double or double. The diameter of the inflorescences varies from 5 to 13 centimeters. The flowering period begins in late June or early July and ends with the first frost. Erect marigolds are suitable for flower beds, ridges, vases, balconies, and cutting. The birthplace of erect marigolds is Southern Mexico.

Series and varieties of erect marigolds: Albatross, Alaska, Antigua, Velvet Season, White Moon, Snow White, Glitter, Vanilla, Hawaii, Gelber Stein, Glitters, Golden Fluffy, Hussars, Discovery, Dune, Uncle Styopa, Yellow Stone, Golden Dollar, Golden light, Golden Prince, Golden Age, Golden Domes, Inca, Kilimanjaro, Cosmonaut, Crash, Crackerjack, Cupid, Lady, Lemon Queen, Lemon Pie, Lemon Prize, Lemon Miracle, Maximix, Marvel, Mary Helen, Beach Season, Prima Gold, Spoon, Solar Giants, Taishan, Titan, Trulli, Smile, Fantasy, Firecracker, Popsicle, Amber Lace.

Rejected marigolds (lat. Tagetes patula).

Synonyms: French marigolds or small-flowered marigolds. This species is formed by perennial plants with numerous erect and highly branched stems, the height of which ranges from 15 to 60 centimeters. Side shoots rejected. Pinnately dissected dark green leaves small size with serrated edges, they are formed from several lobes of a linear-lanceolate shape. On the stems, the leaves are arranged in both alternate and opposite order. Single and also collected in corymbose inflorescences, the baskets of these marigolds grow up to 4-6 centimeters in diameter. The shape of the inflorescences can be simple, semi-double or double. In addition to marigolds with a single color, many bicolor varieties have been bred. The most intense flowering is observed during July and August. They begin to bloom in early June. The rejected marigolds are native to the mountains of Mexico.

Series and varieties of rejected marigolds: Alumia, Bonanza, Brocade Yellow, Gabi, Harmony, Hero, Gullebrand, Jolly Jester, Disco, Durango, Carmen, Red Cherry, Cross, Boy, Bolero, Capricious (Naughty) Marietta, Little Hero, Mandarin, Mercedes, Monetta, Orange Flame, Guy, Pascal, Petite Harmony, Petite Gold, Prosperity, Rusty Red, Safari, Striptease, Tiger Eyes, Fireball, Chica, Naughty Marietta.

Variety Capricious Marietta.

Narrow-leaved marigolds (thin-leaved, Mexican) (lat. Tagetes tenuifolia).

From these annual plants, low, densely branched, compact marigold bushes are formed, the height of which can be from 20 to 50 cm. Straight bare shoots are light green in color. Light green small leaves of a pinnately dissected shape, which are arranged in an alternate order on the shoots, formed by narrow lobes with sparse denticles. Abundantly flowering corymbose inflorescences are collected from simple five-petal baskets, the diameter of which ranges from 15 to 30 mm. The color of the inflorescences is one-color or two-color. Thanks to the highly branched stems, the entire plant has the appearance of an almost perfect ball. This type of marigold begins to bloom in early June and ends flowering with the first frost, when the temperature drops to 1-2°C. Narrow-leaved marigolds are used for flower beds, borders, borders, vases and arrays. The homeland of narrow-leaved marigolds is the mountains of Mexico.

Series and varieties of thin-leaved marigolds: Gnome, Golden Jam, Golden Ring, Golden Gem, Star Shine, Star Shine, Karina, Red Gem, Lulu, Mimimix, Fire Stars, Ornament, Paprika, Starshine, Starfire, Ursula.

Variety Ornament.

Tangerine Jam variety.

Variety Lemon Jewel

Other names for this species: Mexican tarragon, Spanish tarragon, sweet marigold. This is a perennial erect plant with bushes ranging from 40 to 80 centimeters in height. Narrow green leaves about 7.5 centimeters long resemble the shape of natural tarragon leaves. Plain golden marigold flowers of simple shape do not exceed 1.5 centimeters in diameter. Radiant marigolds bloom from early June to late September. The leaves of this plant are collected and used fresh or dried as a tarragon substitute, and the dried flowers are used to make an excellent food coloring.

An ornamental, rather powerful plant, 90-120 cm high, with reddish shoots and dark green leaves. The species grows in Texas and is found in Mexico. Marigolds have a very pleasant aroma of citrus fruits with a light fruity-musky note. The flowers of this marigold species are often used as a savory addition to fish and meat delicacies or as a flavorful accent in baked goods.

The second name is lemon marigold. In the wild, these perennial marigolds, discovered in the late 19th century, grow in mountainous regions of the United States (in the canyons of southern Arizona) and northern Mexico. Marigold bushes reach a height of 120 cm, the leaves of the plant have a length of 5 to 15 cm, the diameter of the numerous yellow flowers is approximately 5 cm. The plant exudes an aroma reminiscent of the amber of citrus and mint with a subtle note of camphor. Sometimes the smell of this plant is compared to the smell of tangerines. Marigolds attract many butterflies, which constantly circle over the flowers.

A plant with a bush height of 8 to 50 cm. In the wild, this species grows in the steppes, on rock slopes, in pine and oak forests, and feels at ease in corn fields, growing there as a weed. Found throughout a vast area from Mexico to Costa Rica. The bush has a pronounced anise aroma, the plant is quite unpretentious to soil quality and easily tolerates drought.

A type of marigold, with a bush height from 50 to 180-200 cm. The length of the very fragrant dark green leaves varies from 5 to 20 cm, the diameter of rather small flowers does not exceed 15-25 mm. The leaves have deeply dissected edges and are located opposite on the stem. Small marigolds grow in the USA and Mexico, Brazil, southern European countries (France, Spain, Italy, Romania), southern Africa, China and Japan, India and Libya, Thailand and Turkey, Australia and New Zealand.

Classification of marigolds by bush height.

In floriculture, a classification is used in which the division is based on the height of the plant, the shape of the inflorescences and their color.

According to the height of the bush they are distinguished:

• Giant marigolds (90-120 cm);
• Tall (tall) marigolds (60-90 cm);
• Medium-sized marigolds (45-60 cm);
• Low-growing (low) marigolds (25-45 cm);
• Dwarf marigolds (up to 20 cm).

Giant marigolds, varieties, photos and names.

These include plants that reach a height of 90 cm to 120 cm. Most often, giant marigolds are found among upright plants. The most famous varieties of giant marigolds:

• "Gold Dollar"– an early annual hybrid variety without the characteristic aroma of marigolds. The variety belongs to the upright marigolds. The bushes are dense, the shoots are strong and thick, 0.9-1.2 m high, with rather large light green leaves. From the first ten days of June until the appearance of frost, they are decorated with terry baskets of medium-sized inflorescences, with a diameter of 7 to 8 cm. The inflorescences, reminiscent of a carnation in their shape, consist of red and orange-red petals.

• "Lemon Queen" - beautiful lemon marigolds with fairly tall (up to 120 cm) bushes. The inflorescences are light yellow or golden in color, up to 9-10 cm in diameter. Blooms profusely in July-August.

• “Orange” - marigold bushes of this variety reach 1 meter in height. Large (up to 15-17 cm in diameter) orange terry-type inflorescences delight the eye from June until the first frost, ideal for cutting - they stand in water for 2 weeks.

Tall (tall) marigolds, varieties, photos and names.

The height of the bushes ranges from 60 cm to 90 cm.

• "Yellow Stone" (Gelber Stein)– an annual variety, forms bushes about 70-80 cm high. The plant has beautiful, densely double inflorescences of a rich yellow color. The diameter of marigolds is up to 15 cm. The plant begins to bloom in early June.

• "Frills" - bushes of this late variety of marigold grow up to 80 cm in height and up to 8 cm in diameter. In the last ten days of July or at the very beginning of August, large, double, clove-shaped inflorescences-baskets appear on them, which consist of reed petals in rich shades of orange and golden color. Flowering from late July until the first frost.
• "Lemon Prince" (Zitronen prinz)– an erect plant forms tall (65-80 cm), standard-shaped and rather dense bushes. A pinkish bloom is visible on the dark green shoots of this variety. The double clove-shaped inflorescences of marigolds are quite large - 8-10 cm in diameter. When they open completely, they look like lemon-yellow balls. Marigolds of this variety bloom from June-July to September.

• "Hawaii" (Hawaii) - erect annual plants are compact bushes that grow up to 90 cm in height. From mid-summer (July) to mid-autumn, large double clove-shaped inflorescences in the form of hemispheres open on strong light green peduncles orange color with a diameter of 10 to 12 cm.

Medium-sized marigolds, varieties, photos and names.

The height of plants included in this group ranges from 45 to 60 cm.

• Among the white erect marigolds of medium height, perhaps one of the most beautiful is the variety "Kilimanjaro" This is an annual hybrid plant forms weakly branched bushes from 40 to 50-60 cm in height, with a clearly defined main shoot. The attractiveness of the variety is explained by large, densely double inflorescences 7-10 cm in diameter, resembling balls in shape with an unusual vanilla-white color. Abundant flowering begins in June and lasts until frost.

• Thin-leaved marigolds of this group are represented by numerous varieties, among which “Golden Ring”, or "Golden Ring". Despite the thin, densely branched shoots with narrowly dissected leaves, the spherical bushes of these marigolds are quite compact and reach a height of 40-50 cm. Small simple inflorescences do not exceed 25-30 mm in diameter. They are composed of small orange tubular petals in the center of the inflorescence and bright yellow, bent downward, reed petals. Flowering lasts from the first days of June and ends with the onset of the first frost.

Low-growing marigolds, varieties, photos and names.

They are represented by varieties whose height ranges from 0.25 to 0.45 m.

• This large group includes the Bonanza series, obtained as a result of selection from rejected marigolds. Annual miniature bushes of this series have a height of no more than 30 cm. Double inflorescences up to 6 cm in diameter can be painted in any color, from rich yellow to red-orange. Variety "Bonanza Deep Orange" ( Bonanza Deep Orange) is one of the most beloved among gardeners. This beautiful variety early flowering, with compact bushes, the height of which ranges from 0.25 to 0.3 m, and the width does not exceed 20 cm. Double inflorescences with a diameter of 5 to 6 cm are painted in a deep orange color.

• The Discovery series of varieties is bred from erect marigolds. Although small bushes do not exceed a height of 20-25 cm. The inflorescences that cover them abundantly are quite large in size and have a bright, rich color. Many gardeners and flower growers grow marigolds on their plots Discovery Yellow or "Discovery Orange" ( Discovery Orange). These are annual plants with compact bushes. Shoots with numerous pinnately dissected, bluish-green leaves are dotted with large and dense densely double inflorescences of bright yellow or orange color. The diameter of the inflorescences is 8 cm. Flowering of marigolds begins in the first days of June and lasts until the onset of frost.

Dwarf marigolds, varieties, photos and names.

This group consists of plants whose height does not exceed 20 cm. It includes a variety of varieties of deviated, thin-leaved and erect marigolds.

• Among the representatives of rejected marigolds, the most interesting is the “Boy” series, which consists of annual varieties with compact branched bushes from 15 to 20 cm high and about 20 cm wide. The pinnately dissected leaves of marigolds growing on the side shoots are dark green. The diameter of the yellow, orange or bicolor double inflorescences that abundantly cover the bushes ranges from 4 to 6 cm. The most interesting of this series is the marigold variety "Harmony" He is distinguished by his magnificent inflorescences, consisting of central flowers of golden yellow color, which are surrounded by brownish-brown reed flowers with a thin golden edge.

• Among the thin-leaved marigolds of the dwarf group, the most widespread is the annual series "Mimimix". Varieties of this series form dense, compact, spherical bushes with a height of only about 20-25 cm. The leaves are narrow, pinnately dissected, and dark green in color. The inflorescences are simple, about 20 mm in diameter, colored in various shades and tones of yellow, red or orange. Marigolds begin to bloom in July and finish blooming in the last ten days of September.

• Among dwarf upright marigolds, the variety is very popular "Lunacy Orange" Orange). Its compact bushes reach a height of 15-20 cm. The diameter of the bush reaches 20-25 cm. Distinctive feature These marigolds are dense chrysanthemum-shaped inflorescences of bright orange color.

Types of marigolds according to the shape of the inflorescences, photos and names.

According to the shape of the inflorescences and the number of reed flowers, marigolds are:

• Simple,
• Semi-double,
• Terry,
  • Anemoneaceae,
  • Dianthus,
  • Chrysanthemum-shaped.

Below is a more detailed description of them.

Simple marigolds, varieties, photos and names.

Simple inflorescences consist of a small number of central tubular flowers and one row of ligulate flowers.

• "Lemon Jam" or "Lemon Jam" ( Lemon Jam), is an annual low-growing variety, bred as a result of selection of thin-leaved marigolds and reaching a height of 0.25 m. Small simple inflorescences measuring 3-4 centimeters are painted gold or yellow, and their middle consists of small bright orange tubular flowers .

• A representative of a simple group of thin-leaved marigolds is the Paprika variety. It is distinguished by dwarf (no more than 20-25 cm), highly branched bushes of spherical shape. The pinnately dissected leaves growing on thin shoots are light green. These are very beautiful marigolds, the period of abundant flowering begins in June and ends at the end of September. Simple flat baskets with a bright yellow center are painted fiery red, and their diameter does not exceed 20-30 mm.

Semi-double marigolds, varieties, photos and names.

To form semi-double marigolds, at least 2-3 rows of reed flowers are required. This group includes:

• A full representative of the rejected marigolds of the semi-double group is the variety “Gold Ball”, or "Golden Ball" Its spreading bushes with strong, highly branched shoots and small green leaves can reach a height of 50-60 cm. The inflorescences are simple and semi-double, their diameter is 4-5 cm. The tubular petals of marigolds, which are located in one or two rows in the center of the inflorescence, are colored in a bright yellow color with a golden tint. The reed petals located at the edges are reddish-brown. This is an early variety of marigolds: their flowering begins in the first ten days of June.

• "Red Brocade" ( Red Brokad e) is an annual low-growing variety from the Brokade series, bred from rejected marigolds. A strongly branched but compact bush grows only up to 25 cm in height. A semi-double inflorescence of medium size (about 4-5 cm in diameter) consists of slightly corrugated reed flowers, which are colored yellowish and red-brown.

Terry marigolds, varieties, photos and names.

Terry marigolds are educated a large number flowers, both reed and tubular.

• An example of such an inflorescence structure is variety "Eskimo" (Popsicle), which is a hybrid. This is a low-growing plant with a bush height of up to 40 cm. Its inflorescences, reminiscent of balls in shape and the color of vanilla-white ice cream, reach a diameter of 6-10 cm and delight with their beauty, starting from the first ten days of July until the frosts.

• "Aztec Lime Green"– very unusual marigolds of light green color. Densely double inflorescences have a diameter of 10-12 cm. The height of the plant is 45 cm. The variety is resistant to heat.

• “Fantastic” are tall varieties of marigolds that grow up to 0.7 m and delight gardeners with their flowering from the beginning of summer until the first frost. Large inflorescences with a diameter of 8 to 11 cm are composed of narrow tubular flowers. The color of densely double baskets can be golden (Fantastic Gold), yellow (Fantastic Yellow) or orange (Fantastic Orange).

• "Strawberry Blonde"– annual variety. A low-growing plant with bushes up to 25 cm high, 15-20 cm wide and medium-sized inflorescences resembling a carnation in shape. Throughout the flowering period, baskets can change their color, ranging from bright yellow to terracotta tones. In addition, the intensity of color changes is affected by air temperature. At lower temperatures, variations occur slowly, but with high contrast between colors. Increasing the temperature speeds up the process, but the color contrast is significantly reduced.

Anemone-shaped marigolds, varieties, photos and names.

Anemone-like marigolds consist of large tubular flowers located in the center, and reed flowers framing them, arranged in 1, 2 or even 3 rows.

• Marigold varieties belong to this type of inflorescence structure series "Durango" (Durango) (D urango), created from rejected marigolds. These are low annual plants with a bush height of 20-30 cm and inflorescences measuring about 55-60 mm. The series includes varieties of marigolds with golden yellow, red-brown and bright orange colors. The variety that attracts the greatest interest among gardeners is Durango Mix, which attracts attention with its unusual inflorescences, painted in a variety of colors, from yellow and burgundy to variegated.

Carnation-shaped (clove-shaped) marigolds, varieties, photos and names.

Dianthus marigolds consist mainly of ligulate flowers, the petals of which are dissected along the outer edge.

• A typical example of such an inflorescence structure is Marigolds "Carmen". This is an annual plant that forms bushes no more than 0.3 m high, which are abundantly covered with foliage. The petals of the reed flowers are slightly ruffled and red-brown in color, while the tubular central flowers are yellow-orange in color. The size of the marigold inflorescence reaches 50 mm. The flowering period lasts from early summer to early autumn.

• "Black Velvet" (B lack V elvet) - annual marigolds, bred on the basis of small-flowered marigolds. This is a low-growing plant up to 30 cm high with a compact bush, on which small inflorescences with a diameter of up to 6 cm, painted in a dark cherry color and framed by a thin orange border, bloom profusely. Inflorescences are double, carnation-shaped. The flowering of marigolds lasts from the beginning of summer and ends with the onset of frost.

Chrysanthemum-shaped marigolds, varieties, photos and names.

Chrysanthemum-shaped marigolds are formed almost entirely by tubular flowers. Prominent representatives of this group are annual variety series bred from erect marigolds:

• "Taishan" (Taishan) - low-growing flowers about 0.25-0.3 m high. From late spring to early autumn, marigold bushes are covered with fairly large inflorescences consisting of wide tubular flowers. The size of the baskets reaches 70-80 mm in diameter. This series includes varieties with golden (Gold), orange (Orange) and yellow (Yellow) baskets.

• “Vanilla F 1” (Vanilla F 1) is an annual low-growing hybrid with a compact bush, the height of which does not exceed 40 cm, and the width of the bush is approximately 25 cm. Large inflorescences about 7 cm in size, resembling a ball in shape, are painted in a delicate creamy color. White color. Flowering begins in the last ten days of May and ends with cold weather.

Where do marigolds grow?

Today, marigolds are cultivated in almost all countries of Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. In the wild, marigolds grow in Spain and Portugal, France and Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Poland and Belarus, and throughout Russia. These flowers are also found in India, Pakistan, and China, but the largest growing area is noted in Peru, Chile, Venezuela, Paraguay and other countries of South America, as well as in Mexico. These flowers are quite unpretentious to external conditions, so they can easily tolerate periodic lack of watering, poor soil, and even the area being clogged with weeds.

Medicinal properties of marigolds.

Besides beautiful view, which provides aesthetic pleasure, as well as the pleasant aroma inherent in these flowers, marigolds are widely used for cosmetic, medicinal and culinary purposes.

Throughout the growing season, the plant accumulates in all its parts essential oil, containing several unique components. In terms of the content of some biologically active substances, marigolds are ahead of many medicinal herbs and plants. They contain:

• ocytomene,
• apinene,
• sabinen,
• carotene,
• lutein,
• myrcene,
• citral,
• pigments,
• alkaloids and flavonoids.

Amber-yellow marigold oil has a pleasant aroma, mixed with notes of oriental spices and fruits. Marigold oil has the following medicinal properties:

• antimicrobial,
• antifungal,
• antispasmodic,
• antiseptic,
• sedatives.

Marigold petals contain potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, copper, gold and zinc, as well as vitamins C, A, E, folic acid and rutin.

Spanish Brocade variety. How to make marigold oil?

To prepare healing oil from marigolds, you should grind the green material from the stems, leaves and flowers quite finely, and then pour it olive oil in a ratio of 1:10. After keeping the mixture in a dark place for 10 days, it is placed in a water bath, after which the resulting extract is drained and filtered. The drug should be stored in a cool place, after pouring it into dark glass bottles. Marigold oil is a potent remedy and should be used with caution. It helps lower blood pressure, promotes wound healing and gets rid of skin infections.

Infusion of marigolds and method of its preparation.

Due to the antiseptic properties of this plant, inhalations with its infusions are used to treat viral and bacterial diseases of the respiratory system. This procedure can be carried out either using special devices or the old-fashioned way over a kettle. For infusion, 5 buds are enough, which are filled with boiling water (no more than 300 ml).

Marigold decoction and method of preparation.

Pain from arthrosis or other joint pathologies can be reduced by taking marigold decoctions. This aqueous extract is prepared in large volumes and has a lower concentration. A decoction is prepared from dried or fresh inflorescences. It is enough to take about 20-30 of them and leave for an hour. It is advisable to ask your doctor about the frequency and volume of the drug taken.

The use of marigolds in cosmetology.

The aromatic and medicinal properties of marigolds have long been used in cosmetology. Extracts of these flowers are included in the composition of perfumes and nourishing creams of all French perfumers. In addition, many representatives of the fair sex make masks based on decoctions of these flowers or nourishing balms from a mixture of olive and almond oil, infused for two weeks on one tablespoon of crushed inflorescences.

Marigolds in cooking.

Dried and crushed marigold flowers are used as a seasoning known as Imeretian saffron. They give food not only a special spicy taste, but also a beautiful golden color. Marigold leaves and flowers are included in some salads and are also used for preserving vegetables. The marinade, to which a couple of inflorescences were added, gives the cucumbers special elasticity and makes them crispy. Marigold inflorescence is the raw material from which food dyes are produced, which have a rich yellow or yellow-orange color.

Harm of marigolds and contraindications.

It should be remembered that people who have allergic reactions to the active substances contained in the stems, leaves or flowers of the plant, as well as women during pregnancy, are contraindicated from using preparations, ointments, balms and seasonings from marigolds.

Marigolds: cultivation and care.

Due to the natural beauty of marigolds, as well as their long flowering period, they are used for decorative design city ​​parks, garden plots and adjacent areas. The planting location depends on the size of the bush. Thus, giant, tall or medium-sized varieties of marigolds are used to decorate the center of flower beds or the background part of a flower garden, and colorful flower borders are formed from low-growing plants. Marigolds are suitable for growing in floor vases, large pots, balcony boxes and even flowerpots, and cut flowers can stand in a regular vase for quite a long time.

The soil.

In Russia, flower growers are mainly engaged in breeding thin-leaved, erect and rejected marigolds. Despite the fact that these plants are quite unpretentious and can grow on almost any soil, the most intense flowering is achieved on fertile, neutral, loamy soils that are sufficiently fertilized and moistened. To enrich the soil with the necessary minerals and trace elements, any of the complete mineral fertilizers, but not manure. When creating conditions for a complete supply of oxygen to the root system, good drainage is provided at the planting site, for which compost can be used.

Temperature and lighting.

Marigold flowers are heat-loving plants, so they need to be planted in sunny areas, although light shade will not harm them. The best temperature needed for optimal growing season and full flowering is considered to be in the range from +20°C to +23°C. In cooler temperature conditions sprouts slow down their growth, and the leaves become pale green in color. The first frost usually leads to the death of plants. In excessively shaded areas, shoot growth accelerates and flowering is inhibited.

Humidity.

Prolonged heavy rains can have a detrimental effect on the condition of marigolds, causing rotting of the inflorescences and fungal diseases of the root system, but these plants tolerate drought quite easily, since they come from the sunny and arid regions of South America and Mexico.

Methods for planting marigolds.

In floriculture, 2 methods of propagating marigolds are used:

• sowing seeds directly into the soil,
• seedling method.

Flowers planted using the method direct seeding into the ground, they begin to delight with their flowering only in the middle of summer, but planting prepared seedlings makes it possible to admire the beauty of the plants already in early June.

When to plant marigolds?

The timing of planting marigolds in open ground depends on the air temperature. Sowing seeds or planting seedlings should be done only after the night temperature does not fall below +5°C. In southern regions with a mild and warm climate, planting can begin in mid-April, and in areas with a temperate climate it is better to postpone this process until the second ten days of May.

Germination of marigold seeds.

To ensure that the seedlings are friendly and strong, the planting material is germinated. This preparation method is equally used both for sowing seeds directly in open ground and for growing marigold seedlings.

Germinating seeds is not particularly difficult. To do this, you need to wrap marigold seeds of the selected variety in a moistened cotton cloth. Then the package should be placed in a shallow flat saucer and placed in a transparent plastic bag. Now all that remains is to place the container with the soaked planting material in a warm and bright place and wait two to three days. When the seeds hatch, you can begin planting.

Planting marigolds with seeds in open ground.

In the area prepared for sowing marigolds, using a hoe, you need to make shallow (no more than 2 centimeters) grooves, into which sprouted marigold seeds should be placed at intervals of about 15-20 millimeters. Then you need to cover them with a layer of soil at least one centimeter thick. With a thicker layer, it will be difficult for the sprouts to break through and they may die, and if there is insufficient powder, they will simply dry out. Watering should be done carefully and moderately, avoiding both excessive waterlogging and leaching of seeds from the soil. The first shoots can be observed after 7-8 days. You can cover the planting site with agrofibre or any other non-woven material(acrylic or lutrasil). When 2 or 3 true leaves appear on the sprouts, you can thin out and plant the plants in accordance with the variety, height and width of the bush.

To enjoy flowering already in the last days of May or in the first ten days of June, sowing marigold seedlings should be carried out throughout March and the first half of April. Those who want to grow several different types should take into account that the seeds of erect marigolds should be sown in March, and the seeds of small-leaved and rejected marigolds in the first two weeks of April. In this case, flowering will occur simultaneously in early June.

Grow healthy and strong seedlings These colors are not at all difficult, but some nuances should be observed. The best substrate for germinating marigolds can be considered a mixture of humus, peat, turf soil and half the norm of clean coarse river sand taken in equal quantities. To destroy pests and weed seeds that may be in the soil mixture, it is necessary to disinfect it. To do this, you can use any fungicide or a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate).

To prevent stagnation of water in the substrate, a drainage layer at least 3 centimeters thick is poured onto the bottom of the planting box or container. For this you can use fine crushed stone, gravel, expanded clay or even coarse sand. Two-thirds of the required volume of soil mixture is poured onto the drainage, which is compacted using a tamper. The rest of the substrate must be in a loose state so that the root system of the seedlings is adequately supplied with oxygen.

The planting box or container should not be filled to the top: there should be 10-20 millimeters of free space from the top of the container to the surface of the soil. Now you need to spill the prepared substrate with water and let the container or box stand in a warm room for a couple of days so that the soil mixture reaches the desired structure. For removing excess moisture The soil mixture container, at the bottom of which several small holes are made, must be equipped with a special tray.

Before planting marigold seedlings, the surface of the substrate should be slightly loosened and shallow grooves should be made at intervals of about two centimeters. Hatched seeds should be placed in these grooves every 10-15 millimeters, and then they should be covered with a layer of substrate no more than 10 mm thick. After this, very carefully water the entire planting surface, and cover the container transparent material(a plastic bag, a lid from a food container, glass, etc.) and taken to warm room with temperatures from +22°C to +25°C.

It is necessary to ensure that the soil does not dry out and water periodically. When the first sprouts of marigolds appear, the container with the seedlings is transferred to a brighter and cooler room, in which the temperature fluctuates between 15-18°C. At the same time, they begin to “accustom” the seedlings to fresh air, for which purpose they conduct daily ventilation. In addition, this will greatly reduce the risk of some diseases characteristic of seedlings. If there is the slightest suspicion that any seedling is infected with blackleg, it must be removed along with a lump of substrate. After this, you should fill the resulting hole with fresh soil mixture, and then treat the entire soil along with the sprouts with a fungicide solution.

When friendly shoots of marigolds appear, the shelter is completely removed. During this period, watering is carried out only after the soil in the seedling container has dried out. Also, you should not allow water to accumulate in the pan, so some time after watering, excess liquid should be drained from it. In order for the seedlings to grow strong and healthy, it is recommended to feed them with special fertilizers for seedlings twice a month.

If all the planted marigold seeds germinate, the sprouts will be quite cramped in the container or box. In this case, picking will be required. This operation is carried out some time after watering. In a separate container with the same substrate as for growing seedlings, holes are prepared into which the sprouts, removed from the container with a spoon, are transplanted. Planting is carried out by deepening the plants almost to the cotyledons, which will lead to more intense and abundant root formation. The appearance of 2 or 3 true leaves can be considered a signal that marigold seedlings are ready for planting in open ground.

Planting marigold seedlings in open ground.

Seedlings are planted in open ground in the middle or end of May in previously prepared soil. To do this, the area chosen for planting is dug up to a depth of no more than 25 centimeters and complex fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are added to it. After this, the soil is dug up again and watered. The amount of mineral fertilizers applied should not exceed 30 g/m2.

After waiting some time for the water to be absorbed into the soil, prepare the holes in which the seedlings will be planted. The distance between the holes and adjacent rows of marigolds depends on their type and variety. For giant and tall plants this figure is 40 centimeters, medium-sized flowers should be planted every 30 centimeters, and low-growing and dwarf marigolds should be planted every 20 centimeters.

The depth of the holes for seedlings should be such that the root collar of the plant is 10-20 millimeters deep into the soil. After the root system is carefully placed in the hole, you need to carefully fill the void around the roots and lightly compact the soil. Next, you should water the seedlings well, avoiding excessive waterlogging. It is noteworthy that, unlike many plants, marigolds are not afraid of water getting on their leaves.

Caring for marigolds.

Further care for these flowers is quite simple.

• In order for the bushes to bloom profusely, you need to remove weeds and periodically loosen the soil not only between the plants, but also between the rows.
• Despite the fact that marigolds are unpretentious, application of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers will have a beneficial effect on the appearance of the bushes, making flowering more lush. One or two root dressings for the entire season, done when the first buds appear and after the start of abundant flowering, will be enough. You should not use nitrogen fertilizers, as this will lead to the growth of shoots and inhibit the development of inflorescences.
• In addition, for the plant to look lush and neat, it is necessary to periodically remove inflorescences that have already bloomed, and carry out formative pruning of marigolds.

In the fall, after the onset of frost, marigolds die. Plants need to be removed from the ground, finely chopped and embedded in the ground during autumn digging. This measure will allow for the prevention of fungal infections of the soil.

Diseases of marigolds, photos and names.

Like all plants, marigolds can also get sick.

• For example, if the summer is cool and rainy, or if the bushes are planted too close together, dark brown spots often appear on the leaves of the plants and on their stems. This disease is called " gray rot"and leads to the death of not only the infected bush, but can also cause the spread of fungal infection to other plants. To avoid this, you need to immediately dig up all marigold bushes affected by gray rot and destroy them.
• Excessive moisture can also lead to slugs and snails. You can get rid of them by hand picking or jars of bleach, which need to be placed between the rows. The pungent odor emanating from them repels pests.
• In hot, dry summers, especially when watering is carried out irregularly and in insufficient quantities, plants are susceptible to invasion spider mite. Get rid of it dangerous pest can be done by spraying the bushes with infusions special plants, since marigolds do not tolerate chemicals well. To prepare infusions, you can use onions, yarrow or red hot pepper. If spider mite infection has not yet occurred, you can spray the bushes with plain water two to three times a day as a preventative measure.

It is noteworthy that the phytoncides contained in the roots, stems and leaves of marigolds prevent the development of most fungal diseases not only in the flowers themselves, but also serve as excellent protection for those plants that grow next to them. Therefore, many experienced gardeners create original flower borders around plantings of tomatoes, potatoes or berry bushes.

Interesting facts about marigolds:

• Erect marigold flowers have the ability to draw out heavy metals accumulated in the soil, which allows them to be used for land disinfection work.
• The first written mention of marigolds appeared at the end of the 16th century in the fundamental research of the Spanish missionary, historian and linguist Bernardino de Sahagún.
• In India, marigolds are considered sacred flowers, so they are strewn with them at the base of statues of the god Krishna.
• The aroma emanating from the leaves is more persistent and pungent than the aroma emitted by the inflorescences.
• In the language of flowers, which in the era of Queen Victoria was used to express feelings hidden, marigolds meant fearlessness, courage, unparalleled courage and were a symbol of the royal lion.
• Residents of Mexico still use the leaves of the plant as a diaphoretic or diuretic, as well as to treat fever. For food poisoning, marigolds are used to induce vomiting and clear the stomach.
• The aroma emanating from marigolds attracts bees, wasps, beetles and other pollinating insects, therefore, by planting such flowers near cucumbers or other crops, you can achieve a significant increase in yield.
• During the era of the birth and spread of Christianity, the inhabitants of the British Isles surrounded images of the Blessed Virgin Mary with wreaths woven from marigolds. The flowers symbolized gold coins.
• According to Orthodox writings, when Mary and Joseph were forced to flee to Egypt, a gang of robbers followed them. When the pursuers overtook the fugitives, they took their wallet. But how surprised the bandits were when, upon opening it, they found not silver or gold, but marigold inflorescences.
• The indigenous Indians of South America in their tales and legends associate the flowers of the plant with the divine luminary of the sun.
• Marigolds are grown not only in decorative purposes. There are species that are cultivated for use in the food industry and the production of alcoholic beverages.

I also call marigolds Tagetes and Chernobrivtsy. Because of their unpretentiousness, flowers are widely used in landscaping urban flower beds and garden plots. The plant has a specific smell. But this is more a positive than a negative quality of the plant.

Description

Marigolds are an annual and perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Flowers grow from 20 to 120 cm. Marigolds decorate flower beds with their lush flowering from June until the onset of the first frost. The root system of the plant is fibrous. The bush consists of branched stems.

The leaves are serrated in all shades of green, with visible glands. They have a pinnately dissected shape. They are arranged oppositely or alternately on the stem.

The flowers are yellow, orange or brown with a velvety tint, due to which the plant received the name “marigold”. The marginal petals are pseudolingulate, median, tubular in shape, bisexual. Flower baskets are simple semi-double and double.

The fruit of marigolds is an achene. Seed germination is very high and lasts up to 3–4 years.

Marigolds have a tart, specific smell, which is more a positive than a negative quality of the plant. By planting marigolds next to vegetable crops, you can protect them from damage by many pests.

Spreading

• In Arizona;
• In New Mexico;
• In Argentina.

Marigolds are considered the first flowers in Russia brought from overseas countries.

Types and varieties of marigolds

About 50 species of annual and perennial marigolds are known.

Flowers are classified according to the types of inflorescences:

• Simple;
• Terry;
• Semi-double;
• Dianthus;
• Chrysanthemum-shaped.

According to the height of the bush they are distinguished:

• Gigantic. The height of the plant is more than 90 cm;
• Tall. They reach a height of 50–60 cm;
• Medium height. The flower grows up to 50 cm in height;
• Short. The height of the plant does not exceed 40 cm;
• Dwarf varieties reach only 20 cm in height.

Types of marigolds:

• Marigolds erect. They are also called African. The stems are erect, reaching 1 m in height. The inflorescences are single-colored, double, spherical. Flower basket 13 cm in diameter. The erect appearance of marigolds cannot be tolerated rainy weather. The plant loses its aesthetic appearance and rots over time;
• Marigold thin-leaved or Mexican. The plant forms a dense bush up to 40 cm tall. The shape of the light green leaves is pinnately dissected. Flower baskets grow up to 3 cm in diameter and resemble the shape of a daisy. The Mexican species of marigolds are demanding of light and heat;
• Marigolds rejected or French belong to low-growing plants, no more than 40 cm in height. The flowering period ranges from July to October. Bicolor flowers 3–5 cm in diameter. Unpretentious look marigolds;
• Interspecific hybrid appeared as a result of crossing African marigolds with French ones. Compact, abundantly flowering bush with large flower baskets reaching 8 cm in diameter.
• "Mexican tarragon" or it is also called"Spanish Typhoon". A perennial, tall plant, reaching a height of 65–70 cm. Widely used in cooking. The aroma of flowers is similar to the aroma of anise.
• Marigolds are graceful or small. Annual plant. Grows up to 120 cm in height. The variety is characterized by small inflorescences. Used in cooking.

Features of cultivation

Most types of marigolds are unpretentious plants. Gardeners love them for this feature.

Plants love to grow in open areas, but planting in the shade will not be detrimental, only flowering will be less lush and longer.

Planted marigolds under the scorching sun will delight you with lush flowering all season long.

Grows well in neutral, loamy soils.

Watering should be moderate and should be reduced as flowering begins.

Stagnant moisture will cause the marigolds to stop blooming and eventually rot.

They respond well to feeding complex fertilizers. Although the plant will grow, develop, bloom without it. Fertilization is carried out in three stages: when the seedlings grow to 10 cm, during the formation of buds and at the beginning of flowering.

To provide air access to the root system, flowers need to be systematically weeded and weeds removed. Marigold bushes can be shaped by pruning.

Marigolds reproduce by seeds. Faded flower baskets need to be removed; and for ripening and collecting seeds, it is enough to leave two or three heads.

There are two methods of sowing seeds:

• When the last frosts have passed, around May-June, they begin to sow seeds in open ground (). The seeds are planted to a depth of 1–2 cm. To speed up germination, the soil can be covered with agrofibre. After 10 days, the seeds will begin to germinate.
• In mid-spring you can start sowing seeds for seedlings. They should first be soaked by wrapping the seeds in a damp cloth. Containers for seedlings are filled with a mixture of turf, peat, humus and sand. To disinfect the soil, you need to spill it with a pink solution of potassium permanganate. The soil should not be allowed to dry out. Watering should be moderate.

The air temperature before germination should be 22–25 degrees, and with the appearance of sprouts, the temperature should be maintained within 15-18 degrees.

The first sprouts will appear after 7 days.

Seedlings can be planted in open ground when a good root system and at least 3 true leaves are formed.

Flowers grown in this way will bloom in June.

Marigolds (or scientifically Tagétes) are fragrant annuals and perennials, characterized by long flowering and bright colors. Marigold petals, collected in simple or double inflorescences, come in various shades - from light lemon to brick red. The height of flowers varies - from “dwarfs”, not exceeding 10-15 cm, to “giants”, growing up to 200 cm in height. Thanks to such species diversity, this plant is actively used in the design of gardens and home areas.

Types of marigolds

Today there are more than 50 species of marigolds, most of which grows in South America. Plants vary in the shape of leaves and petals, size, structure of inflorescences and color. Most often, marigolds have a bright, recognizable smell, but now hybrids have been bred that do not have a strong aroma, for example, the “Gold Dollar” variety.

On the Eurasian continent, the following species are most widespread: Tagetes erecta L. or erect marigold, Tagetes patula L. or deviated marigold, Tagetes tenuifolia or thin-leaved marigold. Among these varieties there are both perennial and annual plants of different heights and shapes.

Varieties of low-growing marigolds

All low-growing varieties traditionally used to frame paths, flower beds, and lawns. They are also well suited for creating flower arrangements in pots and as balcony plants. Among the low marigolds you can find both annual and perennial crops.

Perennial flowers

I would like to separately highlight the varieties of perennial marigolds. Many gardeners believe that marigolds are an annual flower. However, some varieties of this plant are capable of propagation by self-sowing. There is no need to dig up the bush, the flower will drop its seeds on its own and in the spring they will sprout into full-fledged, healthy bushes. Perennial marigolds are not found so often in our region; these include such low-growing varieties as Bonanza, Orangeflamme, Carmen.

Any perennials are good because gardeners do not have to sow seeds and grow seedlings every year. If you want to avoid unnecessary hassle, then you should pay attention to perennial marigolds, for example, varieties:

Bonanza series.

Refers to the type of rejected tagetes. The color of the flowers of this variety can be anything from deep yellow to variegated red-orange. The bushes are miniature, growing only up to 25-30 cm. The flower is medium-sized, double, the diameter of the inflorescence is up to 6 cm. Flowering begins approximately 2 months after seed germination, and lasts until frost. The Bonanza series includes whole line varieties: Bolero, Harmony, Orange, Flame, etc.

Carmen.

Just like Bonanza, it belongs to the rejected marigold variety. As the plant grows, it forms a small bush up to 30 cm high. The petals are collected in lush clove-shaped inflorescences of brown-red color with a bright yellow core. The diameter of each flower usually does not exceed 5-6 cm.

Annuals and hybrids

New varieties and hybrids appear almost every year annual marigolds, so this plant can never get boring, each time striking with a new color and shape. Here are some of the most popular varieties among low annuals:

Mandarin.

As the name suggests, this variety of marigold is distinguished by its bright tangerine color. The flowers are double, clove-shaped, 5-6 cm in diameter. Refers to rejected marigolds. Forms a dense, spherical bush up to 25 cm high.

Petite orange.

The plant forms into miniature bushes (up to 25 cm) with dense foliage. Terry inflorescences of rich orange color up to 6 cm in circumference.

Red gem.

The spherical bushes, growing up to 30 cm in length, are characterized by thin stems and dissected-pinnate leaves. The flower is simple, small - up to 2 cm in circumference. The color is dark red, with a splash of yellow in the center. Blooms extremely profusely.

Antigua.

They belong to the type of erect marigolds. They form low bushes up to 25 cm tall. The flowers are unusually large, reaching 15 cm in girth. Usually no more than 4-5 flowers are formed on a bush. The color is uniform, there are plants of yellow, golden, orange color.

Eyes of the Tiger.

The bushes do not exceed 30 cm in height. The flower size is average - 5-6 cm in diameter. The color is bright, most often orange, the center of the flower usually has a darker shade than the edges.

Kilimanjaro.

Marigolds are a beautiful milky white color, forming dense double inflorescences. The diameter of the flowers is average - about 5-6 cm. The height of the bushes is up to 30 cm.

Varieties of tall marigolds

Tall varieties of marigolds look good in multi-level flower beds, where plants of different heights are planted. They can be placed in the center of a round flower bed, along a fence or along the foundation of a house. These colorful flowers will delight the eye with their vigorous and continuous flowering from June until the autumn frosts. Among the giant marigolds, the following varieties are especially loved by gardeners:

Hawaii.

Strongly branched bushes up to 80 cm high. Carnation-flowered marigolds, dense, double inflorescences, usually yellow or orange. The diameter of one flower reaches 15 cm.

Lemon Queen.

Very tall marigolds, reaching a height of 120 cm. The inflorescences are carnation-shaped, the diameter of an individual flower reaches 9 cm. The color is most often yellow-lemon.

Smiles.

The height of the bush does not exceed 95 cm. This variety is distinguished by the unusual color of its petals, combining golden, orange and yellow shades. The flowers themselves are small - up to 8 cm in diameter, clove-shaped.

Glitters.

The bushes reach a height of up to 110 cm. They bloom profusely. The inflorescences are chrysanthemum-flowered, small in diameter - up to 6 cm. The petals are golden yellow.

Mary Helen.

Marigolds forming a dense bush up to 90 cm high. The inflorescences are quite large - up to 10 cm in diameter, clove-shaped. The flowers are a beautiful lemon shade.

To decorate your garden, it is better not to stop at one variety of marigolds. Experiment, plant different species and varieties - and then your plot will sparkle with the brightest colors.

Natalya Nizhegorodskaya, expert

Features of caring for marigolds

Many people choose marigolds because this plant is quite unpretentious in care - it sprouts well, grows quickly, rarely gets sick, and does not require the creation of a special microclimate. However, growing this crop has its own specifics, which will be discussed below.

Planting seeds for seedlings

Most seed producers recommend sowing marigolds in mid-March - early April, planting them to a depth of 1-2 cm. Planting material You don’t have to pre-soak it, but it’s better to soak it by wrapping the seeds in a damp cloth and a bag. The sprouts will “hatch” in about 3-4 days.

Plant marigold seeds in light and fertile soil. If you prepare the soil yourself, you can make the following mixture: 1 part humus, 1 part peat, 1 part turf and 0.5 parts river sand. The soil should be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate or fungicide for the purpose of disinfection. Ready-made flower soil from stores is also suitable for sowing.

The water in the boxes for marigold seedlings should not stagnate, so it is necessary to make drain holes at the bottom of the boxes (if they are missing) and line the bottom with a small drainage stone.

The seeds are planted at a distance of 1.5-2 cm from each other, making shallow grooves for this. Sprinkle a small layer of earth on top. A week after sowing, the first shoots emerge. In addition to this method, marigolds can also be sown directly into the ground. This is done in May, when the soil is well warmed up. It is worth considering that plants sown in the ground will begin to bloom much later than marigolds grown by seedlings.

Soil and lighting requirements

Marigolds are transplanted into open ground after all spring frosts have ended. These flowers are very sensitive to low temperatures, so it is better not to rush with planting and wait until the ground warms up well.

This crop requires good nutritious soil; loamy and neutral soil is suitable. If the soil is sandy, then it is worth making it more dense by adding black soil or humus.

Marigolds bloom most magnificently under bright sun, so it is better to choose an open, bright, or light partial shade place to place them. When planting, it is worth considering the type of marigolds: tall ones are planted at a distance of about 40 cm from each other, medium ones - about 30 cm, low-growing ones - at a distance of 15-20 cm.

During growth, seedlings need abundant watering. However, when flowering begins, it is better to limit watering so as not to cause plant rotting. If the soil is nutritious enough, then the marigolds do not need to be fed. If the soil on the site is not fertile enough, then it is worth applying fertilizing 2-3 times during the growing season.

Caring for marigolds involves timely watering, weeding and loosening the soil. If you would like to receive abundant flowering planted plants, be sure to remove faded inflorescences.

Diseases and pests

Marigolds are quite resistant to various types of diseases and pests. Sometimes gray rot forms on plants. In this case, the infected flower should be removed so that the disease is not transmitted to healthy seedlings. In dry weather, flowers may appear spider mites. They can be neutralized using chemicals, or using folk remedies- infusions of onion or hot pepper.

As you have seen, marigolds are universal plants that are suitable both for decorating a home and for decorating gardens and adjacent areas. Share your experience of growing marigolds. Tell us how you apply this culture in garden design. We are very interested in your comments!

It is probably difficult to find a person who does not know such a flower as marigolds. This bright plant can be seen everywhere - in squares and parks, in gardens and near houses, on loggias and balconies; it delights with its magnificent flowering until the onset of winter frosts.

Marigolds (Tagétes) are fragrant perennials and annuals that are distinguished by their bright colors and long flowering. The petals of these flowers are collected in double inflorescences or simple, and can be different shades – brick red to light lemon. The height of the bushes also differs - from “dwarf”, which are no more than 12-16 cm, to “giant”, which grow up to 2 meters in height. Due to this species diversity, this flower is actively used in the design of house and garden areas.

Varieties of marigolds: photos and descriptions

Today there are about 60 varieties of marigolds, most of which grow in South and Central America. Plants differ in the shape of petals and leaves, color and structure, and the size of the inflorescences. As a rule, marigolds have a recognizable and bright aroma, but today hybrids have already been bred that do not have a strong aroma, for example, the “Gold Dollar” variety.

On the continent of Eurasia the most Such varieties have become very popular, How:

• Tagetes tenuifolia or thin-leaved marigold;
• Tagetes patula L. or Rejected Marigold;
• Tagetes erecta L. or Erect Marigold.

These varieties include both annual and perennial flowers. various shapes and heights.

Varieties of low-growing marigolds

All varieties of this species are traditionally used for decorating lawns, flower beds, and paths. They are also great as balcony flowers and for decorating flower arrangements in pots. Among the low marigolds you can find both perennial and annual plants.

Perennial marigolds

It is necessary to separately mention perennial varieties of marigolds. Most gardeners think that marigolds are an annual flower. But some species can reproduce by self-sowing. There is no need to dig up the flower, the plant itself will shed its seeds and in the spring they will sprout into healthy and full-fledged bushes. Perennial marigolds can be seen less often in our region; these include the following low-growing species:

• Carmen;
• Orangeflamme;
• Bonanza.

Any perennial plants are good because summer residents do not need to sow seeds and grow seedlings every year. If you want to avoid unnecessary hassle, then you need to pay attention to perennial plants, for example, the following varieties.

Variety Bonanza

Refers to a variety of rejected tagetes. The color of the flowers of this species can be anything from bright yellow to variegated orange-red. The bushes are small in size, growing only up to 20-35 cm. The flower is double, medium in size, the inflorescence size is up to 7 cm. Flowering occurs approximately 3 months after planting the seeds, and lasts until the first frost. The Bonanza variety includes a large number of varieties:

• Harmony;
• Bolero;
• Flame;
• Orange

Carmen

Just like Bonanza, it is a type of rejected marigold. As the flower grows, it forms a small bush up to 35 cm in size. The petals have clove-shaped lush flowers of brown-orange color with a pronounced yellow color in the middle. The size of each flower, as a rule, is no more than 7-8 cm.

Hybrids and annuals. Photo and description

Almost every year new hybrids and varieties of annual marigolds are created, so you will never get bored with this flower, constantly surprising you with its new shape and color. Here are some of the most common varieties among low annual plants.

Mandarin

As the name implies, this type of marigold is characterized by a bright tangerine color. The flowers are carnation-shaped, double, 7-8 cm in size. They are a variety of rejected marigolds. Creates a spherical and dense bush up to 30 cm in size.

Petite orange

This flower forms into small bushes (up to 30 cm) with abundant foliage. Terry buds of a bright red hue up to 7 cm in diameter.

Red gem

Flowers spherical, which grow no more than 35 cm in length, are distinguished by their pinnately dissected leaves and thin stems. The inflorescence is small and simple – up to 3 cm in diameter. Color – burgundy-red, with inclusions in the middle yellow tint. It blooms quite extensively.

Antigua

It is a variety of erect marigolds. It forms small bushes up to 30 cm high. The flowers are quite large, can reach a girth of about 20 cm. As a rule, no more than 5-6 inflorescences appear on the bush. The color is monochromatic; you can find marigolds in orange, golden, and yellow shades.

Eyes of the Tiger

These marigolds do not exceed 35 cm in size. The flower has an average size - approximately 6-7 cm in circumference. The color is quite bright, usually orange, the center of the flower most often has more dark color, rather than the edges.

Kilimanjaro

The inflorescences are a beautiful pure white color that form dense double flowers. The size of the flowers in circumference is average - approximately 6-7 cm. The size of the bushes is about 35 cm.

Varieties of tall marigolds

Tall types of these flowers look great in multi-level flower beds in which flowers of varying heights are planted. They can be planted in the middle of a round flower bed, along the walls of a house or along a fence. These beautiful flowers will delight the eye with their continuous and abundant flowering from May until the first frost. Among the “giant” marigolds, these varieties are very popular among gardeners.

Hawaii

The flowers are highly branched, up to 90 cm in size. It has carnation-colored flowers, the inflorescences are double and dense, usually orange or yellow. The circumference of one inflorescence can reach up to 18 cm.

Lemon Queen

Quite tall plants that reach a height of up to 150 cm. The buds are carnation-shaped, the size of an individual inflorescence reaches 10 cm. The color is usually lemon yellow.

Smiles

The size of this plant is no more than 90 cm. This variety is distinguished by the original color of its petals, which combine yellow, orange and golden colors. The flowers themselves are small, clove-shaped, no more than 9 cm in size.

Glitters

Marigolds reach a size of about 120 cm. They bloom quite abundantly. The buds are chrysanthemum-flowered, small in size - about 7 cm. The petals are yellow-golden.

Mary Helen

These flowers form a dense bush up to 1 meter in size. The buds are quite large - up to 12 cm in circumference, and have a clove-like appearance. The inflorescences are a beautiful lemon color.

To decorate your personal plot there is no need to settle on just one type of marigold. Experiment, plant various varieties and views, and then your flower garden will sparkle with the brightest colors.

Most flower growers choose marigolds, since this plant is completely unpretentious in care - it grows quickly, germinates well, is rarely susceptible to diseases, and does not require the creation of a special microclimate. But growing these flowers has certain specifics, which we will discuss further.

Planting seeds

Most often, seed producers are advised to plant marigolds in mid-spring, deepening them by about a few centimeters. The planting materials do not need to be soaked beforehand, but it is still advisable to do this by wrapping the seeds in a damp bag or cloth. The sprouts will sprout in about one week.

Plant marigold seeds in fertile and light soil. If you make the soil yourself, you can prepare the following mixture:

• 1 part peat;
• 1 part humus;
• 0.5 parts sand;
• 1 part turf.

Soil is necessary treat with manganese solution or a fungicide for disinfection. Ready-made store-bought flower soil is also suitable for sowing.

The water in the boxes for marigold seedlings should not stagnate, that is, you need to make a drainage drain at the bottom of the container (if there is none) and place a small stone on the bottom.

The seeds are planted at a distance of 1.6-2.1 cm from each other, making small grooves for this. Cover with a small layer of soil on top. A week after sowing, the first shoots will appear. In addition to the method described above, seeds can also be sown directly into the ground. This should be done in early June, when the earth has warmed up well. It must be taken into account that plants sown in the ground will bloom much later, unlike marigolds, which are planted in seedlings.

Requirements for light and soil

Marigolds are planted in open ground after all spring frosts have passed. These flowers are quite sensitive to low temperatures, so it is advisable not to rush into planting and wait until the soil warms up thoroughly.

This plant requires good nutritious soil, neutral and loamy are suitable. If the soil is sandy, then you need to make it more dense by adding humus or black soil.

These plants bloom most magnificently under bright sunlight, so it is advisable to choose a place for planting that is light and open, or in slight partial shade. When planting, it is necessary to take into account the variety of marigolds: tall ones are planted at a distance of approximately 45 cm, medium ones - approximately 35 cm, low-growing ones - at a distance of 10-18 cm.

During growth, seedlings need good watering. But when flowering occurs, watering must be limited to prevent rotting of the root system of the flowers. If the soil is sufficiently nutritious, then the flowers do not need to be fed. If the soil in the flower garden is not fertile enough, then you need to add bait several times during the growing season.

Caring for marigolds consists of in loosening the soil, weeding and timely watering. If you want to get good flowering of your planted plants, be sure to remove faded buds.

Pests and diseases

These plants are very resistant to various types of pests and diseases. Sometimes gray rot appears on marigolds. In this case, the infected bush must be removed so that this disease does not spread to healthy plants. In hot weather, spider mites can form on marigolds. These pests can be neutralized using chemicals, or using traditional methods – infusions of hot pepper or onion.

As you already understood from the article, marigolds are universal flowers that can be suitable both for the interior design of a room and for the decoration of home and garden areas. Growing them will not require a lot of effort and time from you.

Marigold flowers