Marigolds, with their bold orange or yellow petals, will capture your eye from a distance. These flowers are valued in many cultures and represent positive energy and warmth.
October birthdays are also marked with cosmos. These low-maintenance flowers are resilient, like those born this month, and can reseed themselves to bloom year after year.
If you know someone born in October, stick around to learn exciting facts about their birth flowers; you’ll be glad you did.
10 Facts About Marigolds
Marigolds fall under the genus Tagetes, and like daisies and sunflowers, they belong to the Asteraceae family.
Today, over 50 marigold species are found in various parts of the world. However, these flowers were originally native to and parts of Central America.
Despite its name and bright petals, the common marigold or calendula isn’t a true marigold. Unlike true marigolds, these blooms originate from North Africa and south-central Europe and belong to a separate genus.
Some species of this flower are edible, such as French marigolds, Lemon marigolds, Mexican mint marigolds, and African marigolds. The leaves and petals may be added to soups, stews, cakes, salads, and even grilled meat!
Marigold plants vary in size depending on the species. African marigolds are the largest, often reaching up to 3 to 4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) tall.
Marigolds are rich in a natural yellow antioxidant called lutein, which is one of the primary pigments in your eye. Lutein is also found in kale, carrots, bell peppers, and orange juice.
When planted alongside other crops, marigolds act as a natural pest control and help to keep away nasty pests like aphids and nematodes.
Marigolds are a central part of Mexico’s Day of the Dead festival. You’ll often see them around family altars and gravesites, as they’re believed to guide the spirits to the offerings.
Marigold extracts have historically been used in folk medicine to treat ailments like cough, cold, sore eyes, and intestinal parasites.
China, Peru, and are the world’s largest marigold producers, while Europe and the United States are the biggest importers.
