Why Marigold is called ‘Herb of the Sun’

Marigold

Marigolds are perennial plants belonging to the Asteraceae family. Tagetes is the scientific name for marigolds. The common name in English is marigold, the name derived from Mary’s Gold. A native of the South of Mexico is now found all around the world.  Marigolds are ornamental plants and favourite flowers they bring sunshine and colours to the summer and autumn gardens.  Due to its herbal properties, marigold has been grown in kitchen gardens. Nicholas Culpeper, an English botanist and herbalist described Marigold as the “Herb of the Sun”. Marigolds are produced singly or have double carnations,  and flowers open when the sun is out. 

 Marigold plants have leaves arranged opposite each other on the stem. October is the month of the birth month of marigolds. These beautiful vibrant flowers are sights to behold with their myriad colours of orange, yellow, white and golden. They have a pungent halfway unpleasant smell Some of the marigold species are Tagetes erecta( Mexican marigold, African marigold, American marigolds),  Tagetes patula (French marigold), Tagetes tenuifolia ( signet marigolds), Calendula officinalis (pot marigolds or English marigolds).

African Marigold

 Marigolds symbolize undying love, passion and creativity. They exemplify elegance and devotion and represent peace and tranquillity.  On the other hand, they also symbolize cruelty, and grief and instils jealousy. Marigolds are widely used in Europe in the “Day of the Dead celebrations” as it symbolizes despair and grief for a loved one. Species of marigolds are used to prepare medicinal tea in Mexico, a culinary herb in Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. Marigolds are used as a source of an essential oil known as ‘Marigold oil” in South America. They are used as food colours in European countries for foods such as pasta, mayonnaise and ice creams. 

Marigolds have medicinal properties and are widely used since ancient times, for treating sprains, skin wounds, rashes, pain, burns, itches warts and insect bites. The flowers have also been used to cure eye inflammation, conjunctivitis, smallpox and measles. Marigolds are a source of nectars for insects for making honey. Pot marigold florets are edible and in many countries, they are used as medicinal herbs, dyes and cosmetics.  Rinsing hair with Marigolds is found as an effective treatment in preventing hair loss.  Marigolds attract bees for their pollination. They are insect-repelling plant that keeps away aphids, mosquitoes and other pests and attracts snails and spider mites.

Yellow Marigold

Marigolds are popular among gardeners, they can be easily grown from seeds and they germinate quickly.  They add spectacular colours to the garden and they just look lovely in pots, containers, baskets and a kitchen garden as herbs and used in salads. They can be grown as borders and with other plants spread across the garden when given full sun. The plants are drought tolerant and can't bloom well in shady and cool places. They need fertile well-drained soil and water to be provided at the base of the plant. 

Marigolds are annual plants their life span is within a year, they grow and die all in one growing season and they do come back the following year. The beautiful blooms of marigold promote cheerfulness and bring joy. So, why not plant marigolds for their beauty and vibrancy in your gardens and bring in prosperity too.
Picture source -Pixabay