French Marigolds, Tagetes patula (sometimes labelled Tagetes lunulata), are popular bedding plants, even though they are only half-hardy, because they will flower continuously right through until the first frost if you keep picking the dead flowers off. Being orange, the flowers make a good puja as well. They’re closely related to African (or American) Marigolds, but not to English Marigolds.
They’re no less important in organic vegetable gardens, because of their pest deterrent properties. French marigolds are said to kill underground pests like eelworm and nematodes, and I’ve also just found out that an extract from this plant is one of the few substances known to be toxic to cockroaches. I certainly never had any trouble with pests of any kind when I grew this plant.
Although lethal to many creepy crawlies, French marigolds are safe for humans. They have a strong scent which I find attractive, although not everybody agrees with me. Medicinally, French marigolds are used as a remedy for severe constipation, as well as indigestion and colic. Make a standard infusion from the whole plant, chopped well. Use 3-4 teaspoonfuls of fresh or 1-2 teaspoonfuls of dried herb to 1 cup of boiling water and allow to stand for 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey if preferred.
You can also use a cooled infusion as an eyewash for sore eyes.
Like all herbs used medicinally, it’s important that you grow your French marigolds without chemicals, so as not to drink them with your medicine. For more information about growing organic French marigolds, visit the Gardenzone.
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November 3rd, 2008 at 14:11
[...] unlikely you’ll need to sow it two years in a row. It’s only distantly related to the French Marigold and the African (American) [...]
November 3rd, 2008 at 14:12
[...] also known as American Marigolds and Aztec Marigolds, Tagetes erecta, are like a tall version of French Marigolds (to which they are closely related), although unfortunately they smell quite unpleasant. They make [...]
October 28th, 2009 at 03:29
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