There is a flower in England that everyone loves: the marigold. English gardeners have loved these annual blooms for a long time because of their happy colors and cheerful personalities. But what are marigolds, and how did they become so popular in England?
Marigolds belong to the plant genus Tagetes, which contains around 50 different species. They are native to Central America and Mexico. The most common marigold species grown in England are French marigolds (Tagetes patula), African marigolds (Tagetes erecta), and signet marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Marigolds are annual plants completing their lifecycle in one growing season. They produce flowers in vibrant shades of yellow orange, red, and gold. The blossoms can be single or double flowers, measuring anywhere from one inch to four inches across. They have a distinctive, somewhat pungent aroma.
Marigolds do best in warm climates where they are native, but they are very good at adjusting to England’s cooler temperatures. As long as they get full sun, marigolds will bloom profusely from early summer until the first frost. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers to grow.
The History of Marigolds in England
In English gardens since the 1600s, marigolds have been grown. The seeds came from Central America at first, brought there by Spanish and Portuguese traders.
The smaller, bushier French marigold varieties became popular with French horticulturalists. Meanwhile, the taller African marigolds were traded through Northern Africa, gaining their common name.
By the time of Elizabeth I, English cottages were beautiful with marigolds. People attributed magical and protective properties to the vibrant blooms. Marigolds were commonly planted alongside vegetable gardens to deter pests.
In the Victorian era, marigold seeds were often mixed into chicken feed to produce darker, richer egg yolks. The edible signet marigold petals were also used to add color and flavor to salads. Queen Mary II loved marigolds so much that they became known as “Mary’s gold.”
Today, marigolds remain a quintessential English garden flower. They bring a burst of color and charm to flower beds, borders, containers, and more.
Why Are Marigolds So Popular in England?
Marigolds have stood the test of time in English gardens for several key reasons:
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Hardy and adaptable – Though native to warmer regions, marigolds thrive across England’s varied climates. They can handle cool temperatures and even some frost.
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Easy to grow – Marigolds germinate readily from seeds sown directly in the garden. Even novice gardeners find them easy and rewarding to grow.
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Long blooming – Marigolds begin flowering in early summer and keep going until late fall frosts, especially if promptly deadheaded.
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Pest resistant – With their pungent scent, marigolds help deter aphids, whiteflies, slugs, and other garden pests.
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Versatile – From petite edging plants to tall cut flowers, marigolds come in sizes and colors to suit any garden space.
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Rich history – Marigolds have captivated English gardeners for centuries and are steeped in tradition.
Popular Varieties Grown in England
While all marigolds are cheery sights in the garden, some varieties are especially well-suited to England’s conditions. Here are a few top picks:
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French marigolds – Compact ‘Bonanza’ and ‘Hero’ series bloom vigorously in bold yellows, oranges, and maroons.
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African marigolds – Tall ‘Crackerjack’ and ‘First Lady’ varieties work well as sunny cut flowers.
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Signet marigolds – ‘Lulu’ and ‘Tangerine Gem’ produce tender edible blossoms with a spicy tang.
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Triploid marigolds – Abundant blooming ‘Durango’ and ‘Aurora’ hybrids display unique color patterns.
Tips for Growing Marigolds in England
Marigolds may be easy keepers, but providing the right care will help them thrive in your English garden:
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Plant in full sun and well-drained soil.
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Water weekly if rainfall is scarce. Avoid wet leaves.
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Pinch back tips to encourage bushy, compact plants.
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Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming into fall.
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Avoid rich soil and heavy fertilizing, which causes more foliage than flowers.
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Watch for slugs/snails, aphids, and powdery mildew; treat promptly.
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Plant near vegetables to help deter certain garden pests.
The Cheerful Marigold: A Treasured English Flower
With their bright golden hues and carefree blooming habits, it’s easy to see why marigolds have been an English garden favorite for centuries. This versatile annual adds a pop of color, whimsical charm, and natural pest control wherever it grows. Best of all, marigolds give gardeners of all skill levels the satisfaction of growing a low-maintenance yet abundant flower. It’s no wonder the marigold remains one of England’s most beloved plants.
How to grow Calendula (pot marigolds)
Calendula seeds can be sown directly outdoors from March onwards, once the soil temperature reaches 18°C (65°F). You can start them off earlier indoors in February, in seed trays filled with moist seed compost. Place the tray on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse and cover with a clear polythene bag until the seeds germinate. Prick out when big enough to handle and grow on ready for planting out in April. Outdoors, sow the seeds 0. 5cm deep, where they are to flower, and thin out to about 25cm (10in) apart.
Pot marigolds like a sunny position in the garden and well-drained soil. Planted around vegetable gardens, they will attract whitefly and aphids that would otherwise attack the vegetables. This brings in lacewings and ladybirds, which make short work of the pests. The flowers are also popular with bees – remember to choose varieties with open centres, so that bees can find the nectar easily.
Which marigold is which?
The most complicated thing about marigolds is their name. There are a lot of different plants that are called marigolds. Here are the three most common kinds and how to tell them apart.
- It’s also known as the pot marigold, calendula marigold, Scotch marigold, or English marigold. Pot marigolds have daisy-like flowers with long, narrow, oval petals. They typically grow to between 30-60cm (1-2ft) tall.
- Tagetes patula is sometimes called the French marigold, but it comes from Mexico. It takes about 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) to grow a French marigold. Its petals are broad and square, and the edges are curled or frilled.
- This plant, Tagetes erecta, is also known as the African, Mexican, or Aztec marigold. It is native to South America and has round flowers that look like pompoms. 2m (4ft).
Why YOU Should Plant Marigolds. EVERYWHERE.
FAQ
What is a marigold in British slang?
In slang British English, a marigold is a rubber glove, preferably an orange or yellow one used for cooking.
What are marigolds in the UK?
Calendula officinalis, also called the pot marigold, calendula marigold, Scotch marigold or English marigold. Pot marigolds have daisy-like flowers with long, narrow, oval petals. They typically grow to between 30-60cm (1-2ft) tall. Tagetes patula, called the French marigold, although it’s native to Mexico.
Does marigold mean pain and grief?
In the Victorian language of flowers, marigolds symbolized grief and pain. This symbolism reaches farther back in time, however. For the Aztecs, this plant was holy, and they used it to heal and because they thought the flower had magical and protective powers.
Are washing up gloves called marigolds?
In 1950, we released the first Marigold latex rubber gloves made just for cleaning dishes. These gloves changed the way we protect our hands while cleaning forever. To this day, Marigold remains the No. 1 Glove Brand in the UK*.