Marigold 'Sunburst Yellow Splash' Tagetes 'Sunburst Yellow Splash' (Sunburst Series)
ABOUT
'Sunburst Yellow Splash' is an upright, bushy marigold, 25-50cm in height, with a long flowering season. The single, sometimes slightly ruffled flowers, to 8cm across, are held above the light green foliage, and are yellow with variable rusty red blotches on petals surrounding a yellow disc
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
African Marigold, French Marigold, Mexican Marigold.
Common names
Tagetes erecta 'Sunburst Yellow Splash'
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant yellow color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Pest Deterrent: The plant can repel certain insects and nematodes in the soil, making it a natural pest management option.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water availability.
- Improved Soil Health: Can help suppress weeds and may contribute to the overall health of the garden soil.
- Companion Planting: Works well when planted alongside vegetables and other flowers, potentially improving their growth and health.
- Extended Blooming: Offers a long flowering season, providing color from early summer to frost.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Natural Dye: Tagetes petals can be used to create a natural yellow or orange dye for fabrics, wool, or even Easter eggs.
- Pest Repellant: The strong scent of Marigolds can help repel nematodes, aphids, and other garden pests when planted in a vegetable garden.
- Companion Planting: Marigolds are often planted among vegetables to improve growth and health by repelling harmful insects and attracting beneficial ones.
- Chicken Feed Additive: Marigold petals can be mixed into chicken feed to deepen the yellow color of egg yolks.
- Fish Feed Additive: Similarly, marigold extract is sometimes used in fish feeds to enhance the color of ornamental fish like koi and goldfish.
- Religious and Cultural Ceremonies: Marigolds hold significant cultural value in events like the Day of the Dead in Mexico and are used extensively in decorations and offerings.
- Garden Bordering: With their bright colors, Marigolds serve as an aesthetic border in gardens, offering a visual delight and defined edges to garden beds.
- Fragrance Production: Essential oils can be extracted from Marigold flowers for use in perfumery and aromatherapy.
- Photography: The vibrant color and distinctive pattern of Marigold 'Sunburst Yellow Splash' make for an excellent subject in macro and botanical photography.
- Culinary Decoration: Edible Marigold petals are sometimes used to decorate salads and desserts for an added splash of color.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Marigold is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Marigold is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Life and Vitality: The vibrant yellow color of the Marigold is often associated with the sun and its life-giving energy, representing vibrancy and the power of life.
- Passion and Creativity: Marigolds are symbolic of strong emotions and the creative fire, suggesting a metaphor for a passionate and creative spirit.
- Healing: Historically, marigolds have been used in medicinal remedies and are thus associated with healing of the body and spirit.
- Remembrance: In some cultures, marigolds are used to honor the dead and are featured in Day of the Dead celebrations, symbolizing remembrance and the beauty of memories.
- Protection: In some folklore, marigolds are thought to ward off evil spirits and protect homes, making them a symbol of protection and safety.
- Overcoming Challenges: Since marigolds can thrive in challenging conditions, they symbolize the ability to overcome adversity and rise above challenges.
- Water
Marigolds, such as the 'Sunburst Yellow Splash' Marigold, require moderate and consistent watering, especially during hot, dry periods. It is recommended to water these plants deeply once a week with approximately one gallon of water per plant, ensuring the soil is moistened thoroughly but not waterlogged. During periods of high temperature and dry air, check the soil moisture every few days and water if the top inch feels dry to the touch. Decrease watering frequency as the weather cools or if rainfall ensures the soil remains moist.
- Light
Marigolds, such as the 'Sunburst Yellow Splash' Marigold, thrive in full sun conditions, where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting is in an area that is sunny from morning to afternoon, without any shade, to promote abundant flowering and healthy growth.
- Temperature
Marigolds, including the 'Sunburst Yellow Splash' variety, can handle a range of temperatures but perform best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, although frost will damage them. Marigolds will thrive as long as they are kept away from extreme cold or heat which is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pruning
For 'Sunburst Yellow Splash' Marigolds, pruning helps in removing dead flower heads, a practice known as deadheading, which encourages continuous blooming. Prune or pinch off the spent blossoms regularly throughout the blooming season. The best time for more extensive pruning or shaping of the plant is in the early spring, before new growth begins.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Marigolds prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. An ideal soil mix can include equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite to ensure good drainage and aeration. For best results, add compost to provide essential nutrients.
- Repotting
Marigolds generally don't require frequent repotting and can do well in the same pot for a couple of seasons. However, if the plant becomes root-bound or the soil is exhausted, repot in spring or early summer using a slightly larger container.
- Humidity & Misting
Marigolds are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and do not require high humidity to thrive. Average room humidity is generally sufficient for these plants.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure full sunlight and well-draining potting mix.
Outdoor
Full sun, protect from extreme winds and frost.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
- Life cycle
The life of a Marigold 'Sunburst Yellow Splash' begins with seed germination, typically in early spring, after the last frost when the soil has warmed. The seedlings emerge and enter their vegetative growth phase, during which they develop a robust root system and foliage. As the plants mature, they transition into the flowering stage, where they produce vibrant yellow blossoms with a splash of red, which can attract pollinators and enhance pollination. After pollination, the marigold will develop seeds within the spent flowers if they are not deadheaded, and these seeds can be collected for the next planting season. As fall approaches and temperatures drop, the marigold will enter a period of senescence where the plant begins to decline naturally. Finally, the marigold completes its life cycle when it succumbs to frost and dies back, though it can leave behind seeds that can survive the winter to germinate the following spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Marigold 'Sunburst Yellow Splash' is through seeds. To propagate, you would typically begin by sowing seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Use a well-draining seed starting mix and place seeds about an inch (2.54 cm) apart, pressing them lightly into the soil without covering them, as marigold seeds need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature around 70-75°F (21-24°C). Germination usually occurs within a week. Once seedlings develop true leaves and are sturdy enough to handle, they can be transplanted to individual pots and eventually moved outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.