This time of the year when temperatures are absolutely brutal, going back to the basics, back to our first childhood plants is a great idea. More than likely that first plant was a marigold. Perhaps it was because it was cheap, persevering in all sorts of weather, or just flashy in color. All are true and we all grew up with the marigold.
Today the nursery trade promotes the large flowered African selections known botanically as Tagetes erecta and the smaller French types, Tagetes patula varieties. The truth is the French Marigolds are from Mexico and Guatemala; the African Marigolds are from Mexico and Central America; and neither of those groups are Mexican Marigolds, which are of the genus Tagetes lucida and actually are from Mexico.
The French and the African marigolds both have the ability to really put on a show. The African marigolds have flowers that are huge reaching 3 inches across. Inca II, Marvel and Antigua are a few of the more popular varieties. You'll be surprised at how many varieties exist.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Kansas City Star
