Flower Library
Marigold
Tagetes erecta · Korbblütler (Asteraceae)
With its rich shades of yellow, orange and rust, the marigold brings pure summer light to the vase. As a cut flower we mainly use the tall-growing Tagetes erecta, whose densely filled flower balls feel warm and easy-going. Bought fresh in season at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, the stems reach our Pempelfort shop plump and vital and, with proper care, last far longer than one would expect of such a robust flower.
- Season
- June – July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 7–14 days
- Latin name
- Tagetes erecta
- Colors
- Yellow, Orange, Golden yellow, Cream white, Red-brown
In floristry it is above all Tagetes erecta, the upright or African marigold, that matters. It grows 60 to 100 centimetres tall and bears large, densely filled flower balls of up to ten centimetres across. The low Tagetes patula with its often two-toned yellow-orange-red blooms and the fine-leaved Tagetes tenuifolia stay more compact and are bedding and balcony plants rather than cut material.
As a cut flower the marigold is a rewarding focal point for summery bouquets. The round, plush heads look like little suns when grouped and give any bunch volume. It is important to strip the lower part of the stem, because the pungently aromatic foliage smells intense and rotting leaves in the water shorten vase life. With no foliage below the waterline it stands clean and long.
Quality shows in firm, closed to half-open heads, a sturdy stem and blooms without brown edges. We rely on A1 grade from direct purchasing, which is why our stems often stay fresh for ten to fourteen days rather than the industry-standard seven. The typical resinous scent of the foliage is a matter of taste but pleasantly loosens up floral compositions.
Stylistically the marigold fits beautifully into warm, sunny colour schemes and the relaxed cottage-garden or boho look. It harmonises with sunflowers, zinnias, dahlias and strawflowers as well as with grasses and berried branches. For autumnal harvest and All Saints arrangements it is, thanks to its colour and symbolism, an honest, down-to-earth choice.
Care
- 01Cut the stems at an angle and remove every leaf that would otherwise sit below the waterline.
- 02Use a clean vase with fresh, lukewarm water and a little cut-flower food.
- 03Change the water every two to three days and recut the stems each time.
- 04Choose a cool spot out of direct sun, away from ripe fruit and radiators.
- 05Remove spent heads regularly so the bouquet stays fresh and tidy.
- 06Keep the bouquet out of reach of curious pets, as marigolds can cause mild irritation if eaten.
Frequently asked
- How long do marigolds last in a vase?
- As a cut flower, marigolds usually last seven to fourteen days. What matters is clean water, a defoliated stem below the waterline and a cool location. Thanks to our direct purchasing at the Veiling Rhein-Maas and A1 quality, our stems tend to reach the upper end of that range.
- Are marigolds toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- Marigolds are considered mildly toxic to dogs and cats: if plant parts are eaten they can cause gastrointestinal irritation, and the sap may irritate skin and mouth. Serious poisoning is rare, but the bouquet should still be kept out of reach of pets and small children. When handling the stems, sensitive people may also get mild skin irritation, so gloves are sensible.
- When are marigolds in season as a cut flower?
- The marigold is a classic summer flower. As cut material it is available roughly from June into October, with its peak in high and late summer. For colourful summer bouquets and autumnal arrangements it is an honest, long-lasting choice during this period.
- Do marigolds smell unpleasant and what can be done?
- The foliage of marigolds gives off a strong, resinous, spicy scent that some people like and others find pungent. To reduce the smell, strip most of the leaves from the stem; the blooms themselves are far milder. In the finished bouquet the scent then barely registers.