Marigold: Features, Varieties, Care, Benefits and Uses of Marigold Oil

The homeland of the marigold, which belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae), is Central Mexico and America. It can be grown effortlessly in other warm regions, especially in the Mediterranean, in our country. Marigold, which is frequently used in landscaping, is known for its orange-yellow colors and its sharp scent. In addition to these, marigolds are also frequently used in cosmetics.

What is Marigold? What are its features?

Marigold is known as the flower offered to the gods in many religions, especially in ancient religions. For this reason, the most general term suitable for the meaning of marigold is ‘rebirth’ . Marigold, which is frequently used in landscaping and gardening, is also extremely suitable for growing at home. It is also used as marigold, oil and tea.

The marigold color is pastel shades of red, yellow and orange. The texture of the leaves, which can grow vertically and reach a length of about 15 cm to 30 cm, is velvet-like. Marigold, which has an extremely pungent odor, is known to keep harmful insects away. At the same time, since marigold is known to keep cats and dogs away, it is recommended that people who have cats or dogs in their garden do not plant this plant intensively.

What are Marigold Varieties?

Marigold layered and Flawless (bare floors) are divided into two. Among the layered marigolds, the most well-known are Tagetes Patula, that is, bream marigold, and Tagetes Erecta. Tagetes Patula, also known as French marigold (French Marigold), has deep orange flowers. Tagetes Erecta, also known as Mexican Marigold, has pastel yellow flowers. Generally, Tagetes Erecta can be longer than Tagetes Patula.

Tagetes Tenuifolia and Tagetes Lucida are the most well-known marigolds. Tagetes Tenuifolia usually has flowers of mixed colors, while Tagetes Lucida has small yellow flowers.

In addition to marigolds, which usually appear in orange, yellow and brownish colors, there are also purple marigolds. It differs from marigolds with such general characteristics, which are mostly used in bridal bouquets.

When to Sow Marigold Seeds?

Marigold cultivation is quite effortless. Marigold seeds are available in almost all DIY stores. Marigold planting should be done in early spring, especially in March. After the seeds are germinated in small planting molds, they can be transplanted into another pot.

The first thing to ask after planting is how to water marigolds. It should not be watered too much during the sprouting stage of the seeds. At this stage, better results can be obtained if irrigation is done by spraying. Germination takes place in 2-4 months.

With the arrival of the summer months, it blooms and its sharp smell envelops all sides. The most important point to be considered during the care of marigolds at home is to grow the flower in a sunny or light environment.

Marigold, which can grow in almost any home environment, is very fond of the sun. For this reason, it should be ensured that the flower receives sun or light during the growing of marigolds on the balcony and at home. There is no problem in exposing the marigold to direct sunlight. On the contrary, this situation is effective in the healthier growth and blooming of the flower.

One of the points to be considered after marigold planting, germination and transplanting is the appropriate depth of the pot. Those who want to grow marigolds in pots should adjust the depth of the pot by considering the elongation of the flower. In addition, the spacing of 25-30 cm between marigolds planted side by side is important for the development of the flower.

Marigold dries up in late autumn. Usually dried marigolds need to be completely cleaned from the soil. Those who want to save their seeds and plant them again the next year can take the seeds in the middle after waiting for the marigolds to dry on the branch.

How to Care for Marigold Flowers?

Marigold is a non-selective and sun-loving plant. The most important point to be considered in the care of the flower is the sun exposure.

A moderately moist and light soil is sufficient for growing marigolds. Clay soil is very suitable for the plant to bloom healthy flowers . The marigold, which does not require too much fertilizer, will bloom for a long time with the appropriate soil type and sunlight. Marigold is a plant that does not require much watering.

Over watering can delay flowering. Standing in a place that is constantly exposed to the sun can lead to the drying of the soil of the flower. For this reason, the soil should be kept moist, but irrigation should not be overdone. Marigold, which is a flower that does not require pruning, blooms even more with the cleaning of leaves that fade as it blooms. It is extremely important to maintain the moisture level of the soil for large marigolds.

It is very important that the soil of marigolds grown in pots on the balcony or indoors gets air. Flowers that remain indoors for a long time with moist soil are prone to insect infestation. In this respect, the air of the flower and its soil ensures that the flower is healthier.

The most suitable environment for marigolds, which can also be grown in pots, is the garden. Marigolds, which have the opportunity to spread more, bloom much healthier and lusher flowers.

What Are the Benefits of Marigolds?

In addition to its aesthetic structure, marigold is also frequently used in the field of cosmetics. In addition to its beauty and pleasant smell, marigold has many health benefits as well as skin benefits. The answers to the question of what marigold flower does and what are the benefits of marigolds are as follows:

• Thanks to its relaxing effect, it is used in many creams.
• Marigold cream soothes skin wounds and accelerates their healing.
• It is known that the oils obtained from marigolds are good for problems such as bee and insect stings.
• Marigold is also known for its benefits to the skin; It softens dry skin and is good for cracks.
• According to Lokman Hekim, marigold tea helps to strengthen the heart, stop diarrhea, colds and stomach diseases.
• Marigold tea is also good for sore throat and it is not recommended to boil more than a spoon, as the flower has a dense structure.
• When the seeds and flowers are boiled and applied to the hair, it gives shine to the hair.
• Thanks to a substance called flavonoid found in marigolds, it is known to protect against hepatitis.
• Marigold soap has a particularly moisturizing effect.
• It is known to be good for mushrooms.
• It is known to be effective in regulating menstrual periods.
• It is recommended that the consumption of marigolds should not be overdone and that people who use drugs constantly should consume or use it in consultation with their doctor.
• It is also recommended that pregnant and lactating women do not consume marigold tea.

How to Use Marigold Oil?

Marigold oil is often used as a cream and tea. The oil of the flower is used especially with almond oil and applied to the hair and wound. It is also used in the treatment of varicose veins by mixing marigold oil with olive oil. Marigold oil is effective in preventing and reducing the formation of eczema, acne and skin blemishes.

Marigold oil can be used to prevent and reduce diaper rash in babies. Marigold oil can be used to treat open wounds and accelerate healing. However, it is recommended that people with skin sensitivities or allergy problems use the oil in consultation with their doctor.

Although there are no known and common side effects, marigold oil and tea can create some negative situations in people who are sensitive to compounds such as chamomile. Today, many popular cosmetic brands use marigold oil in hand creams and hair care oils. The oil, which is available in many herbal and grocery stores, is often mixed with other oils.