Marigold Tagetes 'Zenith Lemon Yellow' (Zenith Series)
ABOUT
Tagetes 'Zenith Lemon Yellow', also known as marigold, is a vibrant and eye-catching plant distinguished by its large, showy flowers. These blossoms are a bright lemon-yellow color that captivate the eye with their cheerful hue. Each flower has a pompom-like appearance, consisting of numerous small, dense petals that create a rounded and somewhat flat-faced shape. This variety stands out with its uniformly colored flowers that lack the darker centers often seen in other marigold varieties. The flowers are generally uniform in appearance, adding a consistent pop of color wherever they are planted. The foliage of the marigold is deep green and has a feathery appearance. These leaves are finely divided and have a somewhat delicate look that contrasts the boldness of the blooms. The leaves are typically arranged in an opposite or whorled pattern, which adds to the plant's bushy and lush appearance. The combination of lively yellow flowers against the backdrop of green foliage creates a striking visual effect that can brighten up any garden space. Overall, the marigold's appearance is notable for its bright and sunny disposition. It's a festive plant that often evokes a sense of joy and warmth in landscapes and gardens, and it can provide a beautiful, uniform splash of color without varying much in shade or tone across its blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Lemon Yellow Marigold, Zenith Lemon Yellow Marigold, French Marigold
Common names
Tagetes erecta 'Zenith Lemon Yellow'.
ToxicityTo humans
Marigold is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, some people may experience an allergic reaction or skin irritation upon handling the plant or coming into contact with its sap. Ingesting parts of the plant is not commonly associated with severe poisoning, but it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or vomiting in some individuals sensitive to its constituents.
To pets
Marigold is also considered non-toxic to pets. While it is not typically harmful, if a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually self-limiting, but if a pet appears to be in distress, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lemon Yellow
Height
10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Spread
8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: The vibrant lemon-yellow flowers of the Marigold create a stunning visual display in gardens and landscape designs.
- Pest Deterrence: Marigolds are known to deter certain pests, helping to protect nearby plants from damage.
- Easy to Grow: Marigolds are hardy and adaptable, making them a good choice for novice gardeners or those with less-than-ideal gardening conditions.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects: These plants can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, aiding in the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Continuous Blooming: Marigolds can bloom from early summer until frost, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
- Companion Planting: Marigolds are often used in companion planting to benefit vegetables and other garden plants through pest control and pollination.
- Edging and Borders: Their compact size and dense growth habit make them ideal for creating defined edges and borders in garden beds and walkways.
- Container Gardening: Marigolds are well-suited to container gardening, adding a splash of color to balconies, patios, and indoor settings.
- Low Maintenance: These plants require minimal upkeep, thriving with just basic watering, occasional feeding, and deadheading of spent flowers.
- Soil Improvement: Marigolds have been noted to help improve soil quality through their root system, although this is more commonly associated with other marigold varieties.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tagetes can be used as a natural dye, imparting a range of yellow hues to textiles and food products.
- The vivid petals of Tagetes are edible and can be used to add color to salads and as a garnish for various dishes.
- Tagetes plants can be composted after blooming to enrich the soil as they decompose due to their high nitrogen content.
- The strong aroma of Tagetes can repel certain insect pests and can be used as a companion plant to protect vegetables like tomatoes.
- Dried Tagetes flowers can be used in potpourri to maintain a fresh and pleasant scent in your home.
- Tagetes can be planted in barrier formations to help prevent soil erosion with their dense foliage and root system.
- These flowers can serve as natural indicators of soil health since they thrive in well-balanced soil, indicating that the land may be suitable for other plants.
- The plant can be used in flower arrangements to provide a bright pop of color and a distinctive, pleasant fragrance.
- Tagetes petals can be crushed and mixed with water for a natural plant spray against aphids and whiteflies.
- The stems and leaves of Tagetes can be mulched and used as a “green manure” to till back into the soil and improve its fertility.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Marigold is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Marigold is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Life and Vitality: The vibrant lemon-yellow blooms of Marigold are associated with the energy of the sun, representing liveliness and creativity.
- Positive Emotions: Marigolds often symbolize cheerful emotions and happiness, which is reflected in their bright and warm appearance.
- Remembrance and Mourning: In some cultures, Marigolds, particularly during the Day of the Dead celebrations, are used to honor and remember the deceased, indicating reverence and memory.
- Overcoming Challenges: The hardiness of Marigolds allows them to thrive in various conditions, representing resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles.
- Beauty and Warmth: The golden hues of Marigolds are often related to beauty and warmth, both in terms of personality traits and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
- Protection: Marigolds are believed to have protective qualities, historically used to ward off pests in gardens and also thought to keep away evil spirits.
WaterMarigolds should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. For Tagetes 'Zenith Lemon Yellow', this usually translates to watering once every 5 to 7 days during active growth periods, depending on weather conditions and soil type. Provide approximately one gallon of water per square yard of soil each time you water, ensuring even distribution throughout the root zone. During periods of high heat or drought, you may need to increase watering frequency to maintain consistent soil moisture. Always avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of diseases like powdery mildew, instead water directly at the base of the plant.
LightMarigolds thrive in full sun conditions, requiring a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for Tagetes 'Zenith Lemon Yellow' is in an area that receives unobstructed sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing them in heavily shaded areas, as this will reduce blooming and can lead to leggy growth.
TemperatureMarigolds prefer warm temperatures and will perform best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The Tagetes 'Zenith Lemon Yellow' can tolerate higher temperatures up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit but may require additional watering in these conditions. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 35 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage or kill the plant, so provide protection or move them indoors if cold temperatures threaten.
PruningPruning marigolds, like the Tagetes 'Zenith Lemon Yellow', encourages bushier growth and more prolific blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming throughout the growing season. Additionally, lightly trim back overgrowth and remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed to maintain plant shape and health. The best time for major pruning is in early to mid-spring, before the new growth cycle begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMarigolds, such as the Tagetes 'Zenith Lemon Yellow', thrive in well-draining soil mixed with organic matter, like peat moss or compost. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for marigolds. The best soil mix can be created by combining two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or sand for drainage.
RepottingMarigolds generally do not require frequent repotting, especially since they are often grown as annuals; however, if grown as perennials, repotting every 2 to 3 years or when they outgrow their current pot is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingMarigolds prefer average to low humidity levels and can tolerate the drier conditions typically found in home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun exposure and well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil; space 8-10" apart.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleTagetes 'Zenith Lemon Yellow' (Zenith Series), commonly known as Marigold, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and given the right conditions, germinates into a seedling. The seedling then develops true leaves and grows rapidly, entering the vegetative stage where it forms a robust root system and abundant foliage. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant lemon-yellow flowers typically during the warmer months if provided with full sunlight and regular watering. After pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, the Marigold sets seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. Once the flowering period concludes, the plant may begin to senesce, particularly if it is an annual variety. As the plant nears the end of its life cycle, the seeds can be collected for propagation or allowed to fall to the ground, potentially giving rise to new plants the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Tagetes 'Zenith Lemon Yellow', commonly known as Marigold from the Zenith Series, is often propagated by seed. The optimal time for sowing Marigold seeds is after the danger of frost has passed in the spring, moving into early summer. To propagate Marigolds using this popular method, plant the seeds about an eighth of an inch deep (approximately 3 millimeters) directly into well-drained, fertile soil with good sunlight exposure. The seeds typically germinate in a few days to a week if kept at the proper temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Thin the seedlings once they reach 2 inches tall (5 centimeters), spacing them according to the mature size of the plant, to ensure they have adequate room to grow and thrive.
