Marigold Tagetes 'Zenith Yellow' (Zenith Series)
ABOUT
Tagetes 'Zenith Yellow' is a vibrant flowering plant commonly known as Marigold. This variety is known for its bright yellow flowers that have a pompom-like appearance, with dense, tightly packed petals that create a showy, rounded bloom. The petals have a velvety texture and radiate from the center of the flower in a symmetrical fashion. The color of the flowers is a rich, lemon-yellow hue that is both eye-catching and cheerful. The foliage of Marigold 'Zenith Yellow' is deep green with a ferny appearance. The leaves are finely divided and have a feathery look, providing a nice contrast to the boldness of the flowers. The leaves may give off a distinctive, somewhat spicy aroma when brushed or crushed. The overall appearance of the 'Zenith Yellow' Marigold is bushy and full, with a well-branched structure that supports the abundance of blooms. The plant produces a profusion of flowers over the blooming season, creating a long-lasting display of color in garden beds, borders, and containers. The combination of the brilliant yellow blooms and lush green foliage makes Marigold 'Zenith Yellow' a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a splash of brightness and a touch of jubilance to their outdoor spaces. Additionally, Marigolds are known for their ability to deter certain unwanted insects, making them an excellent companion plant in vegetable gardens or ornamental landscapes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
African Marigold, Aztec Marigold, American Marigold, Mexican Marigold.
Common names
Tagetes erecta 'Zenith Yellow'.
ToxicityTo humans
Marigolds, including the Tagetes 'Zenith Yellow', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, some people may experience an allergic reaction or dermatitis from handling the plants due to sensitivity to the plant's sap. Ingestion is not commonly reported to cause significant problems, but consuming large amounts might cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as nausea or diarrhea. It is always prudent to avoid eating ornamental plants not specifically grown for consumption.
To pets
Marigolds, like the Tagetes 'Zenith Yellow', are not known to be highly toxic to pets. However, if ingested in large quantities, they may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in animals such as vomiting or diarrhea. Always monitor your pets around ornamental plants and discourage them from eating any non-food plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Spread
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: The plant is known for its ease of cultivation, thriving in a variety of soil types and conditions.
- Vibrant Color: Offers bright yellow blooms that add vivid color to gardens and landscapes.
- Pest Deterrent: Naturally repels certain garden pests such as nematodes, making it a great companion plant.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects like butterflies and bees, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Extended Blooming: Has a long flowering season, providing color from early summer to fall.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it's resistant to short periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Edging Plants: Ideal for borders or edges in garden beds due to their uniform growth habit.
- Container Friendly: Can be grown in pots or containers, making it versatile for patios and balconies.
- Multifunctional: Used in landscape designs for mass plantings, edging, or as a focal point due to its striking color.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The bright yellow flowers of marigolds can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, giving textiles a vibrant yellow hue.
- Insect repellent in gardens: Planting marigolds around the perimeter of a garden can help deter certain pests like nematodes and aphids without the use of harmful chemicals.
- Companion planting: Marigolds are often planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes and peppers as they can improve growth and help repel harmful insects.
- Chicken feed additive: The petals of marigolds can be added to chicken feed to intensify the yellow color of egg yolks as well as contribute to the overall health of the chickens.
- Culinary garnish: The petals of marigolds are edible and can be used to add a splash of color to salads, desserts, and other dishes.
- Floral confetti: Dried marigold petals can be used as biodegradable confetti for celebrations and weddings.
- Religious and cultural ceremonies: Marigolds are significant in many cultures and can be used in various ceremonies and festivals, such as Day of the Dead in Mexico.
- Natural food coloring: Marigold petals can be used as a natural food coloring agent to impart a yellow or orange tint to foods.
- Crafts and potpourri: Dried marigold flowers can be incorporated into crafts or used to create fragrant potpourri.
- Soil improvement: Marigolds have been known to help in improving soil quality through the release of certain substances from their roots, which can suppress harmful soil nematodes.
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 yellow hue of marigolds is commonly associated with the sun, symbolizing energy, growth, and the life force that sustains all living things.
- Optimism: Marigolds' bright appearance is often linked to positivity, encouraging a sunny outlook and an optimistic approach to life's challenges.
- Beauty and Warmth: The attractive flowers of marigolds represent the beauty of nature and the warmth of human relationships, signifying joy and affection.
- Resilience: Marigolds are known for their hardy nature, thriving in a variety of conditions; they symbolize endurance and the ability to overcome adversity.
- Honoring the Dead: In some cultures, marigolds are used in ceremonies to honor the dead, signifying remembrance and the eternal connection between the living and those who have passed on.
- Spiritual Significance: Some traditions associate marigolds with sacred events and spiritual practices, making them a symbol of religious or spiritual devotion.
WaterMarigolds require a consistent watering schedule to flourish, specifically the Tagetes 'Zenith Yellow' from the Zenith Series. Generally, these plants should be watered at least once a week, but this may increase to twice per week during extremely hot or dry periods. The soil should be kept moist but not saturated. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 1 gallon of water per square foot of soil every week, making sure the water penetrates deeply to encourage strong root growth. Overwatering or allowing the plants to sit in water can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
LightMarigolds, including the Tagetes 'Zenith Yellow', thrive in full sunlight. They perform best when planted in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A southern or western exposure is ideal to ensure these vibrant flowers receive the bright, intense light they need for optimal growth and blooming.
TemperatureMarigolds are heat-loving plants and Tagetes 'Zenith Yellow' is no exception. These plants prefer temperatures between 60°F and 75°F but can tolerate higher temperatures well into the 90s. They should not be exposed to temperatures below 35°F, as frost can damage or kill marigolds. The ideal temperature conditions for continued flowering and healthy growth are the warm days of late spring to early fall.
PruningPruning marigolds like the Tagetes 'Zenith Yellow' encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the summer. Pinching back the tips of young plants can help create a fuller shape. The best time for major pruning is early to mid-summer, as this allows time for the plant to recover and produce new blooms before the end of the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Marigolds (Tagetes 'Zenith Yellow') should be fertile, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat, compost, and perlite or vermiculite in equal parts serves well. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingMarigolds (Tagetes 'Zenith Yellow') do not commonly need repotting as they are annuals; however, if started indoors, transplant them when there is no risk of frost, typically once a year.
Humidity & MistingMarigolds (Tagetes 'Zenith Yellow') are tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and do not require high humidity; average ambient humidity is sufficient for these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, direct light and turn for even growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun after the last frost in rich soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleTagetes 'Zenith Yellow', commonly known as Marigold 'Zenith Yellow', begins its life cycle when seeds are sown into warm soil, typically after the last frost has passed. Germination occurs within a few days to two weeks, depending on soil temperature and moisture levels. The seedlings quickly grow into vegetative plants with characteristic green foliage. As the plant matures, it develops vibrant yellow flowers during the late spring to summer months, attracting pollinators to its blooms. The Marigold 'Zenith Yellow' completes its life cycle when it sets seeds within the flowers that, once dried, can be dispersed to produce new plants. These plants are annuals, so they will complete their entire life cycle within one growing season and will need to be replanted the following year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Tagetes 'Zenith Yellow', commonly known as the African Marigold, is frequently propagated by seed. The best time to propagate by seeds is late winter to early spring, allowing the seedlings to grow sufficiently strong to be moved outside after the last frost. To propagate, seeds should be sown in a light, moist, well-draining growing medium, covered lightly with soil, and kept at a temperature around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Seedlings usually emerge within 5 to 14 days. Once they're large enough to handle, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots before being planted into the garden or outdoor containers.
