As the Lunar New Year approaches, families are busy preparing for the celebration, buying new clothes, decorations, and of course, beautiful flowers to adorn their homes.
Besides adding a splash of color to the festive atmosphere, each flower carries a special meaning and message of goodwill for the host family. Today, let’s explore the significance of one such flower – the marigold – during this special time of year.
1 What is the Marigold Flower?
Origin of Marigolds
Marigolds: Characteristics and Significance
Marigolds, scientifically known as Tagetes, are a genus of approximately 60 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the Asteraceae family. This vibrant flower is native to Mexico and holds a rich cultural significance.
Characteristics of Marigolds
Marigolds are herbaceous plants with an upright growth habit and multiple branches, forming attractive bushes with long-reaching branches. Their leaves are pinnately lobed with serrated edges, usually growing in an alternate or opposite arrangement. Each leaf axil gives rise to auxiliary branches.
The flowers bloom solitarily at the top of the plant and exhibit two primary colors: golden yellow or yellow-orange. Marigolds typically bloom from winter to summer and retain their flowers for an extended period. Today, they are widely cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens, parks, and along roadsides.
2 Classification of Marigolds
In Vietnam, there are mainly two types of marigolds: dwarf marigolds and French marigolds (also known as African marigolds). Let’s delve into the characteristics of these two varieties.
Dwarf Marigolds
Dwarf Marigolds
Dwarf marigolds are easy to cultivate and exhibit robust growth. They typically attain a height of around 30 cm and produce approximately 10-12 blooms after two months of planting. The flower diameter ranges from 7-10 cm, showcasing vibrant yellow or yellow-orange hues. These flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also hold cultural significance, making them ideal for decorative and ceremonial purposes.
French Marigolds
French marigolds are another easy-to-grow variety that will dazzle your garden or home in just 60-70 days. They boast a taller stature, reaching heights of up to 60 cm, making them perfect for indoor or outdoor displays.
French Marigolds
African Marigolds
African marigolds, also known as French marigolds, captivate with their striking red-orange hues. They feature fragrant, evenly spaced, and fully double flowers that bloom slightly earlier than other varieties, typically within 45-50 days.
African Marigolds (French Marigolds)
American Marigolds
American marigolds, belonging to the Tagetes genus and Asteraceae family, originate from Mexico and North America. They exhibit a compact growth habit, reaching heights between 20-80 cm. Interestingly, some varieties emit a strong, pungent odor when crushed, while others exude a pleasant fragrance.
American Marigolds
Thai Marigolds
Thai marigolds are annual herbaceous plants with a coarse, upright growth habit, reaching heights of 0.6-1 meter for the taller variety and 30-40 cm for the dwarf variety. Their leaves grow in an alternate arrangement and resemble soft, feather-like pinnate lobes. The leaf blades are lanceolate with brown spots on the margins, emitting a foul odor. Thai marigolds showcase yellow or red petals with yellow edging and small flower sizes.
Thai Marigolds
African Marigolds
African marigolds are tall-growing varieties that can exceed 60 cm in height. They exhibit a diverse range of colors, including white, cream, yellow, red, and orange.
African Marigolds
Mexican Marigolds
Mexican marigolds are edible, herbaceous perennials native to Mexico. Their leaves resemble those of mint or citrus plants within the Rutaceae family.
Mexican Marigolds
3 Significance of Marigolds During the Lunar New Year
Significance of Marigolds During the Lunar New Year
The name “marigold” itself hints at the flower’s significance during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Marigolds symbolize longevity, eternity, and immortality. During this festive season, they convey wishes for peace and well-being, as well as expressing filial piety toward ancestors and elderly family members.
Moreover, marigolds represent the warmth of the sun and embody aspirations for a prosperous and affluent life. The red hues of the flowers signify longevity and robust health, while the golden varieties symbolize optimism and positivity.
Marigolds: Symbolism and Significance
Additionally, marigolds represent grief and remembrance, making them a common choice for decorating ancestral altars during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
4 Benefits and Uses of Marigolds
Ornamental and Decorative Purposes
Marigolds are easy to cultivate and have a long blooming period, making them a popular choice for planting along roadsides, in parks, and in home gardens, especially during the Lunar New Year festivities.
Marigolds for Ornamental and Decorative Purposes
The golden hues of marigolds not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings but also symbolize good fortune and prosperity.
Fragrance and Flavoring
Marigold essential oil is highly valued in the fragrance industry. It is used to flavor tobacco, food products, and beverages, as well as in the production of perfumes.
Marigold Essential Oil for Fragrance and Flavoring
Medicinal and Pest Control Properties
Marigolds possess medicinal properties and are used to treat various ailments such as stomachaches, diarrhea, and hiccups. They also help cool the liver and alleviate nettle rash. Additionally, the distinctive fragrance of marigolds acts as a natural pest repellent.
Medicinal and Pest Control Properties of Marigolds
5 Cultivation and Care Tips for Marigolds
Planting Marigolds
Caring for Marigolds
For optimal growth, fertilize marigolds with oil cakes. If the flowers bloom earlier than desired, you can slow down their blooming process by applying a solution of urea at a rate of 10 grams per 10 liters of water, twice a day.
To prevent and control fungal diseases, use fungicides such as Aliette, Rovral, Daconil, or Foraxyl. For bacterial diseases, use Starner as a preventive measure.
Important Considerations
Marigolds thrive in well-ventilated areas with partial shade. Regularly monitor their growth and take appropriate measures as needed. During the flowering stage, spray insecticides with a strong odor (such as Viphenxa or Supracide) to repel butterflies.
Cultivation and Care Tips for Marigolds
6 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tagetes genus?
The Tagetes genus, commonly known as marigolds, encompasses approximately 60 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants within the Asteraceae family. They feature pinnately lobed green leaves and produce flowers in a range of colors, including white, golden yellow, orange, and reddish hues, with diameters of 0.1 to 4-6 cm. The foliage of marigolds exudes a strong, pungent aroma, although newer cultivars have been developed to be scentless.
What is the legend behind the marigold flower?
Once upon a time, there lived a poor orphan who, after losing his mother, devoted himself to caring for his ailing father. Despite their challenging circumstances, the boy managed to learn a few letters and later apprenticed himself to a talented woodcarver.
One day, the boy’s father fell gravely ill, and the woodcarver did his best to help, but to no avail. The boy then heard of a wealthy man in a nearby village who was building a new house and needed skilled craftsmen. Eager to earn money for his father’s treatment, the boy set off with his tools in hand.
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