Marigold Flowers

Botanical Name: Tagetes patula
Common Name: Aurora Yellow Fire
Origin: South Europe
Cultivation: Partial shade to full sun
Colors: Red, Orange, Bright Yellow
Bloom Time: June
Uses: As winter decoration and medicinal use
Regions: Desert areas of India, South America, Australia

Cultivation of Marigold
Marigolds are sown directly into a finely prepared seed bed. The crop requires supplemental irrigation. Both overhead and furrow irrigation should be available. The soil surface must be kept moist for uniform germination and emergence. Irrigation by sprinkler is advised to enhance seedling establishment and minimize soil crusting.

Phosphorus is required to promote flowering. Nitrogen should be applied two or three times during growing season.

Drying Marigold
Gather the leaves only in fine weather, in the morning. The ray florets are used and need quick drying in the shade, in a good current of warm air. Spread the florets on sheets of paper, loosely without touching each other. If they are not loosely spread they will become discolored. Then allow the florets and leaves to dry.

Uses of Marigold
Dried marigold are used for wonderful and exclusive dried arrangements. They are also used in possers, broths, and drinks, as a comforter of the heart and spirits, and to expel any malignant or pestilential quality which might annoy them. A plaister made with the dry flowers in powder applied to the breast strengthens and succours the heart infinetley in fevers.