An elegant spherical bush, very branched, with thin stems and dark green pinnately dissected leaves, 25-40 cm high.
The inflorescences are flat, non-double, 2 cm in diameter, dark red. The plant is light-loving and drought-resistant. Prefers fertile and sunny places (can grow in slight shade).
Used to frame flower beds, borders and decorate balconies.
Signet Marigold, lemon marigold, slender-leaf marigold, striped Mexican marigold.
* Marigolds are grown both by sowing in the ground and by seedlings. The second method is preferable, as it ensures the longest possible flowering. Shoots appear 5-7 days after sowing, and after a couple of weeks the seedlings are pricked out, which promotes good growth of the root system and the production of strong plants. Marigold seedlings are usually strong, robust, and not afraid of transplantation. Even if the seedlings are grown not in separate cups, but in boxes, the roots of the tagetes do not suffer too much when divided. (Often, after planting marigolds in the ground, the leaves of the seedlings acquire a dark red, burgundy or purple hue. The anthocyanin color that appears is the plants' reaction to bright sunlight. Over time, having adapted to the new habitat, the leaves of the marigolds will turn green again.
The value of marigolds is also in the fact that they significantly improve the health of the soil in which they are planted.
Special signs.
Like many other composite plants, marigolds spread a peculiar bitter-tart aroma. This smell will provide an invaluable service, repelling many types of insect pests. Planted in a flower bed or near trees and shrubs, marigolds will perform not only decorative, but also phytosanitary work.
Tagetes flower baskets contain essential oils and dyes. They are used as spices for salting and pickling, and natural plant dye is used in the preparation of confectionery and cheeses.