Have a look at the best Marigold Benefits and Uses in the Garden with the help of this comprehensive guide.
Marigolds have the power to transform a mundane vegetable garden into an exquisite ornamental space that will make you feel proud and impress your acquaintances. Their vibrant golden color is truly remarkable. However, the benefits of marigolds are not limited to their visual appeal. This is precisely why marigolds are widely cultivated all over the world. Marigold Benefits and Uses in the Garden go beyond their appearance, and they are highly valued for this reason.
Learn How to Grow Marigolds from Petals
What is Marigold?
The genus Tagetes comprises approximately 50 annual herb species of the Asteraceae family, commonly known as marigolds. They are native to Southwestern North America, tropical America, and South America. Additionally, the term “marigold” is used to refer to plants of several families that are not related, including the pot marigold of the Calendula genus.
Tagetes genus comprises plants with beautiful composite flowers that are usually solitary or clustered and come in shades of yellow, orange, or red. The leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem and are finely cut. Moreover, the flowers are surrounded by bracts that form a cup-shaped base below each flower head, which is a distinctive feature of the plant.
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Marigold Benefits and Uses in the Garden
1. Easy to grow
Growing French marigolds are a breeze thanks to their resilient qualities. These flowers have a natural resistance to pests, can withstand droughts, and even tolerate cold temperatures. Plus, they are reasonably priced and won’t put a dent in your wallet.
2. Keep Pests Away
French marigolds are not only grown for their aesthetic appeal as border plants but also for their pest-resistant properties. Their slightly pungent aroma acts as a natural deterrent against pests, protecting your garden from potential damage. However, they are vulnerable to rat attacks. Additionally, these plants release a chemical that is toxic to root-knot nematodes, effectively warding off these harmful worms and safeguarding your plants’ roots.
3. Best Companion Plants
Growing marigolds alongside other plants display their symbiotic relationship. These flowers are known to pair well with tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, among others. The potent aroma serves to mask the scent of other plants, making them less susceptible to pest infestations and keeping them safe.
4. Offer Long Flowering Season
As fall sets in, the vivid orange hues of the season can be breathtaking, but the impending winter can also bring a sense of gloom as gardens begin to fade away. However, marigolds have the ability to thrive well into the fall season and even endure the winter months. This means that your garden can maintain its colorful charm even in the midst of winter’s bleakness. It’s a surefire way to uplift your spirits!
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5. Provide a Range of Colors to the Garden
French marigolds come in a wide array of stunning shades, ranging from crimson and cream to gold and orange, making them a quick and easy way to add a pop of color to your garden. Their bold and striking appearance is especially eye-catching when juxtaposed against a wall of lush green leaves and vegetables.
Additionally, their intricately patterned leaves can be captivating from afar, holding your gaze and attention for an extended period.
6. Attract Bees and Beneficial Insects
While it’s common knowledge that marigolds are effective in pest control and attracting bees, they also have the added benefit of drawing in other beneficial insects, such as butterflies, ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic mini-wasps. The “Lemon Gem” variety of marigolds is particularly effective at attracting these insects and can even be used as an edible herb.
In addition to their pest-control properties, marigolds are also a great option for attracting butterflies to your garden. Not only do butterflies bring a sense of joy and wonder, but they also play a vital role in promoting pollination.
7. Aids in Eliminating Cabbage Moths
Cabbage moths are a notorious garden pest and can wreak havoc on your vegetable crops, often proving to be a challenging pest to eliminate. If you’re planning to grow cabbages in your garden, it’s highly recommended that you plant 2-3 marigolds around them. This simple trick can effectively deter cabbage moths, keeping your crops safe and healthy.
Marigold Uses
8. Have Medicinal Properties
Marigold has numerous medicinal properties and can help soothe a variety of skin conditions such as burns, dry skin, rashes, and blisters.
Also, adding the petals of marigold flowers to tea can help calm inflammatory bowel conditions. Marigold flowers also have natural antimicrobial effects, making them a great choice for natural remedies.
9. Yields Essential Oil
The perfume industry highly values marigold essential oil for its unique scent, which can be used to create distinctive fragrances. Individuals can also personalize their organic perfumes by mixing marigold oil with other essential oils.
Moreover, marigold oil’s potent aroma effectively repels mosquitoes and fleas, making it a natural alternative to chemical repellents.
10. Marigolds are Edible
Marigold petals can be a delightful addition to salads or used as a colorful topping for cupcakes. For the best taste, consider using Tagetes patula (French marigold), Tagetes lucida (Mexican mint marigold), or Tagetes tenuifolia (Gem marigolds). Their unique flavors can add an extra touch of excitement to any dish or dessert.
11. Used to Make Natural Colors
Did you know that you can create natural colors using marigolds? Simply dry the flowers and grind them into a powder using a mixer. Add a small amount of water to the powder, and you’ll have an edible color that can be used to enhance the appearance of various cuisines. It’s a simple and natural way to add color to your dishes using the power of marigolds.
12. Relieve Ear Pain
Extract from marigold flowers and leaves can be a helpful remedy for ear pain. Simply crush a few petals and leaves and extract their juice. Adding 4-5 drops of this juice into the affected ear can quickly alleviate the pain. It’s a natural and effective solution for those in need of relief.
13. Cut Flower Decoration
Once French marigold flowers have bloomed, you have several options for what to do with them. Their hardiness makes them a great choice for cut flowers to brighten up your room or office, as they can last for a significant amount of time. Additionally, these flowers hold sacred significance and are often used as offerings during religious ceremonies. It’s advisable to use flowers from your own garden for such purposes.
