Marigolds

Brian Sutherland

Plant Sciences 211, NDSU
NDSU, Fall 2010

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Characteristics

Type:
  • Annual
    Light
  • full sun
  • Flower Color
    orange and yellow, also mahogany and crimson for French marigolds
  • Bloom Time
    summer and autumn, into winter for some varieties
  • Height
    8-16 inches for French; up to 40 inches for African
  • Width
    12 inches
  • Soil Requirements
    well drained
  • Zones
    all but the coldest areas
  • Uses
    massed displays, pots

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    Fun Facts

    Marigold (Calendula) is an extremely effective herb for the treatment of skin problems and can be used wherever there is inflammation of the skin, whether due to infection or physical damage; for example, crural ulceration, haemorrhoids, anal fissures, mastitis, sebaceous cysts, impetigo or other inflamed cutaneous lesions.

    As an ointment, Marigold (Calendula) is an excellent cosmetic remedy for repairing minor damage to the skin such as subdermal broken capillaries or sunburn. The sap from the stem is reputed to remove warts, corns and calluses.

    In South Asia, bright yellow and orange Marigold flowers are used in their thousands in garlands and to decorate religious statues and buildings. They are also used as offerings and decoration at funerals, weddings and other ceremonies.

    Pigments in Marigolds are sometimes extracted and used as a food coloring for humans and livestock.

    African Marigold
    French Marigolds
    Yellow Marigolds
    African Marigold
    French Marigold
    Yellow Marigold