Marigold Medley

Tagetes lucida, Tagetes patula

One of Ken's first horticulture related jobs was at the historic and horticulturally renowned Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Ken planted and cared for countless marigolds there, not realizing the significance of the flower. The bright orange and strong scented Cempazuchitl was the Aztec symbol of death and is used to this day to decorate graves and altars in Dia de Los Meuertos festivals. Anything but morbid, the garlands, crosses, and lined pathways made from thousands of marigold blooms celebrate life and brighten these festivals. Also featured in the celebrations papal picado—the cut paper banners hung overhead in rows. Look closely at the art on this pack and you can see the celebration of life and death which plays out in our gardens every year.

• Number of Seeds:100 seeds
• Spacing in Row: 10-12 inches
• Spacing Between Rows: 12 inches
• Planting Depth: 1/4 inch
• Days to Germination: 5-10 days
• Days to Maturity: 60-80 days
• Height at Maturity: 18-36 inches
• Width at Maturity: 12-24 inches

How to grow: Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost date, then transplant outdoors to indicated spacing in the garden or in containers. This mix includes both French and Mexican marigolds, which vary in height, so transplant the shorter seedlings in front of the taller ones if necessary in your garden space. Marigolds require little care and attention, water if particularly hot and dry.

About the artist: Papel picado by Jenny Lee Fowler.