The Magic of Marigolds
Compositae*
Tagetes spp.* and Calendula officinalis
Marigolds are not only good in the garden for pest control and attracting beneficial insects, they are also a culinary and medicinal treasure. I use marigolds of all sorts for beer, mead, tinctures, tea, and garnish.
Key words:
*The Compositae family can be tricky because as scientific names sometimes do, it can be known by two Family names, which are: Compositae and Asteraceae.
* spp. is the plural abbreviation for species.
Medicinals
Compositae Targetes erecta
Targetes erecta originated within regions of Mexico and Central America and have been used medicinally for thousands of years. The flowers are used as medicine to treat toothaches, parasites, stomach ache, vomiting, and indigestion. (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 03 Nov. 2009)
Compositae Caledula officanalis
We use calendula officalnalis, often referred to as pot marigold, for salves and body oils. Calendula, like all marigolds are in the Compositae family. Calendula has a soothing affect and is valued for its resin within the flower petals. When harvesting calendula often the resin is pleasantly sticky and sweet smelling. We love calendula so much we even use toothpaste with it in it!
Culinary
Compositae Tagetes tenuifolia
Tagetes tenuifolia is commonly refereed to as Tangerine Gem Marigold as it is added to salads. There are usually less petals with these types of Marigolds and they are arranged similar to bachelor buttons.
Marigolds well deserve a place in the heart of every chef, although that not be the case, some do know of its culinary value. At least I do. I have made a couple batches of mead with the flower petals from my garden last summer. The variety was Tagetes patula; a seed I had saved from the Hunter Park Community Garden House.
Garden
I have been growing and saving the seed of Marigolds for three season now; starting out by growing Tagetes erecta and then growing Tagetes patula. I have grown about 7 or more varieties so far, and have the seed from at least two, but I have not been keeping a breeders eye on them. My favorite all time garden use for Marigolds is in boarder plantings. Some of my favorite varieties include French Marigolds, Tagetes patula.
To save the seed of any Marigold:
1. let flower fully bloom
2. let flower die back and partially dry on the plant
3. dead head when flower is at least 50% dry or more on plant
4. let finish drying in a dry airy dark place
5.Separate seeds from papery sheath and store in an open container for a week or so
6. Store sealed seeds in a jar or bag in a dry dark place
Coming soon…The magical creations of the Marigold tales!
References
“Tagetes erecta -.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 03 Nov. 2009. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagetes_erecta>.
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