Description
This annual herb typically grows between 12 and 24 inches tall and boasts an extended blooming period from June to October. Its upright, fuzzy stems are topped with blossoms that dazzle in shades of yellow and orange, measuring between 0.8 and 2 inches wide. Marigold is heterocarpic, meaning it produces more than one type of fruit, enabling various dispersal methods. Its name comes from its ring-shaped seeds, which develop from the outer petals and are spread by animals. Lighter seeds from the middle petals are carried by the wind, while the curved seeds from the inner part are often transported by ants.
Marigold is a popular ingredient in cosmetic products like creams and soaps. It is also used in tea blends, where its dried petals add visual appeal. The plant is mainly cultivated in Germany and the Netherlands, as well as in Egypt, Hungary, and Poland. Harvesting is done by hand or by machine. For tea blends, the petals are dried at temperatures no higher than 176°F to preserve their vibrant color.
Historical Background
Historically, marigold has been prominent in folk medicine. As early as the 12th century, the polymath Hildegard of Bingen attributed healing properties to it, ushering in a long tradition of using marigold as a medicinal herb—a tradition that continues today, despite a lack of scientific evidence.
Marigold is also recognized as one of the oldest garden plants. For centuries, farmers considered it a weather forecaster, as it closes its blossoms when rain is approaching. In some cultures, marigold symbolizes immortality because it blooms all summer and self-seeds, making it a popular choice for planting on graves.
Intriguing Facts
- The superstitious he loves me, he loves me not ritual traditionally uses marigold or daisy petals.
- In England, the word “marigolds” has become slang for rubber gloves, after one of the first major producers of cleaning gloves.
- Marigold is considered a decorative additive, also known as a constituent, in food and tea. While it enhances visual appeal with its shape and color, it usually adds little to no flavor.
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