Marigold Tagetes 'Zenith Golden Yellow' (Zenith Series)
ABOUT
The Tagetes 'Zenith Golden Yellow', also known as Marigold, is part of the Zenith Series, which is known for its bright and vibrant flowers. This particular variety is named for its striking golden yellow blooms. The flowers are typically large and showy with a pom-pom-like appearance due to their densely packed petals. Each petal is smooth and has a slightly velvety texture, contributing to the flower's rich and cheerful look. The plant provides a continuous display of these golden yellow blooms throughout its growing season, creating a warm and inviting presence in any garden space. These Marigolds have a bushy growth habit, supporting the bursts of golden flowers on top of dark green foliage. The leaves of this plant are generally fern-like in shape, finely divided, and have a somewhat feathery appearance, which contrasts nicely with the boldness of the flowers. The Zenith Golden Yellow Marigold has a characteristic fragrance, which is often strong and can be pungent to some, with a musky undertone that is typical of the Marigold family. This scent makes the plant not only a visual addition to a garden but also a sensory one. Overall, the lushness of the green leaves coupled with the abundance of radiant yellow flowers provides a visually stunning display that can be a focal point of gardens or serve as a complimentary plant among other flowers. The continuous blooming nature of the Marigold ensures that this vivid yellow color can be enjoyed for an extended period.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
African Marigold, American Marigold, Aztec Marigold
Common names
Tagetes erecta 'Zenith Golden Yellow'
ToxicityTo humans
The Tagetes 'Zenith Golden Yellow', commonly known as marigold, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation when handling the plant due to its sap. Ingesting significant quantities of marigolds is not recommended as it may potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or vomiting. It is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption.
To pets
Marigolds are generally recognized as being non-toxic to pets. However, if pets ingest large amounts of the plant, they may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, which can include symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always best practice to prevent pets from consuming non-food plants as individual reactions can vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Golden Yellow
Height
1 feet (30 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Color: Offers bright golden-yellow flowers that are eye-catching in any garden setting.
- Drought Tolerance: Can withstand periods of low water once established, making it suitable for drier climates.
- Pest Deterrent: Naturally repels certain insects and pests, making it beneficial for companion planting.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Extended Blooming: Features a long blooming season, providing color from early summer until frost.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being low maintenance, which makes it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Soil Adaptability: Capable of thriving in a variety of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained soil.
- Edging Plants: Their height and structure make them ideal for creating defined borders in garden beds.
- Container Gardening: Well-suited for pots and containers, adding versatility to their use in the garden.
- Landscape Design: Works well in mass plantings, providing a stunning visual impact with their golden blossoms.
Medical Properties- Antiseptic: The oil extract from Tagetes may have antiseptic properties, which can help prevent infection in wounds.
- Anti-inflammatory: Components like flavonoids in Tagetes might exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, potentially providing relief from inflammation-related conditions.
- Antispasmodic: Tagetes has been considered for its possible antispasmodic action, which may alleviate muscle spasms or cramps.
- Antifungal: The extract from Tagetes may have antifungal properties that can help in treating fungal infections.
- Insect repellent: While primarily non-medical, the strong aroma of Tagetes is known to repel certain insects, which indirectly can reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural dye: The petals of marigolds can be used to produce a natural yellow dye, which is perfect for fabric, yarn, and even food coloring.
- Companion planting: Gardeners plant marigolds near vegetables to deter harmful insects, as they are known to repel pests such as nematodes and tomato hornworms.
- Chicken feed supplement: Adding marigold petals to chicken feed can help in producing egg yolks with a deeper yellow color, as they contain lutein, a natural pigment.
- Decoration in ceremonies: In various cultures, marigolds are used to decorate religious shrines and spaces during special ceremonies and festivals.
- Organic mulch: When marigolds have finished blooming, they can be chopped and used as a nutrient-rich mulch for the garden beds.
- Garden aesthetic: The bright yellow blooms of the marigolds can be used to create stunning patterns and designs in flower beds and borders.
- Skin care products: The petals of marigolds are sometimes included in hand-made soaps and lotions for their color and potential benefits to the skin.
- Confetti: Dried petals of marigolds can be used as biodegradable confetti for celebrations and weddings.
- Flower arrangements: The robust nature of marigold flowers makes them ideal for fresh or dried floral arrangements.
- Potpourri: Dried marigold flowers can be mixed with other scents to create fragrant potpourri for refreshing the air in a room.
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 color of Marigold (Tagetes 'Zenith Golden Yellow') symbolizes radiant life and energy, reminiscent of the sun's power.
- Optimism and Positivity: Marigolds are often associated with the sun's brightness, representing a positive outlook and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Remembrance: In some cultures, Marigolds are used during Day of the Dead celebrations and in grave decorations to honor and remember the deceased.
- Protection: Marigolds have been believed to possess protective qualities, keeping away harmful pests and negativities, both in the garden and in life.
- Beauty and Warmth: The lush golden blooms symbolize beauty and warmth, bringing a sense of joy and aesthetic pleasure.
- Spiritual Connection: In various spiritual practices, Marigolds symbolize the connection to the divine or to spiritual realms, often used in offerings and rituals.
WaterMarigolds from the Zenith Series, like 'Zenith Golden Yellow', prefer even moisture and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this means watering at least once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant, depending on weather conditions and soil type. During hot, dry periods, watering frequency should increase, while in cooler, cloudy weather, it can decrease. It's important to water deeply and directly at the base of the plants to encourage root growth and to prevent water from sitting on the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightMarigolds such as the 'Zenith Golden Yellow' thrive in full sun, meaning they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. They perform best when planted in a spot that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. These plants can tolerate some partial shade but their blooming might be reduced in less than optimal light conditions.
TemperatureMarigolds like 'Zenith Golden Yellow' perform best in warm temperatures and can handle heat quite well. They prefer an ideal temperature range of 60°F to 75°F but can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 95°F. If temperatures drop below this range, particularly toward freezing, it's time to protect the plants or expect that they will succumb to the cold.
PruningMarigolds 'Zenith Golden Yellow' benefit from deadheading, which is the process of removing spent flowers to encourage more blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning should be done regularly, as soon as flowers fade. For optimal growth and flowering, it's best to prune them late in the day when the sun is not as strong. No extensive pruning is required, but it is beneficial to pinch off the tops of young plants to encourage bushier growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMarigolds thrive in a well-draining soil mix consisting of equal parts peat, perlite, and compost. They prefer a pH of around 6.0 to 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral. Adding some worm castings can boost nutrient content.
RepottingMarigolds generally do not require frequent repotting as they are annuals. Repot only if you start them in containers and they outgrow their initial pot before transplanting outdoors.
Humidity & MistingMarigolds are tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and do best in moderate to low humidity environments typical of outdoor settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Place in full sun with good air circulation.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Tagetes 'Zenith Golden Yellow', commonly known as Marigold 'Zenith Golden Yellow', begins with seed germination, which typically occurs within 5 to 7 days in warm, moist soil. The seedlings then develop true leaves and gradually mature into bushy, compact plants. As they grow, these marigolds produce numerous branching stems and distinctive green foliage. When temperatures are favorable, the marigolds enter the flowering stage, displaying vibrant yellow blossoms that attract pollinators and add color to gardens. The flowers eventually give way to seed heads, which dry out and disperse seeds either on their own or through external movement, allowing for new plants to emerge in the following season. The marigolds typically complete their life cycle within one growing season, as they are annual plants that perish at the onset of winter, although their seeds remain dormant until favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Tagetes 'Zenith Golden Yellow', also commonly known as the Marigold of the Zenith Series, propagates best from seed. To propagate marigolds, start by sowing seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Use a well-draining seed starting mix in small pots or flats, pressing the seeds lightly into the surface; they need light to germinate so do not cover them with soil. Keep the soil temperature around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius), and maintain consistent moisture. Germination usually occurs within 5 to 7 days. After the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, typically reaching about 2 inches (5 centimeters) in height, transplant them into your garden, spacing them about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) apart to allow for air circulation and ample growth.
