Why i grow marigolds: practical beauty from garden to vase
Marigolds have been a favorite of mine since childhood. I can still remember sitting at the edge of my grandparents’ flower bed, deadheading blooms in the sun. The scent would cling to my fingers, and even now, it takes me right back to those early gardening moments.
Today, I grow marigolds on the farm not just for nostalgia, but because they truly earn their place in the field. I focus on the Chedi variety—a tall, long-stemmed type ideal for floral design. With bold color, great texture, and strong vase life, it performs beautifully in summer arrangements and holds up for a week or more.
They carry deep cultural and symbolic meaning around the world. Often associated with warmth, resilience, and remembrance, they’re seen as symbols of the sun and the cycle of life. In many traditions, especially in Mexico and parts of South Asia, marigolds are used to honor ancestors and mark important seasonal transitions. Their bold color and lasting presence have made them a flower of strength, passion, and connection across generations.
Marigolds are more than ornamental. They help deter pests, attract pollinators, and the petals are even edible. While I grow Chedi for its stem length and bloom quality, other varieties like French marigolds and African marigolds are excellent choices for garden borders and companion planting.
Plant in full sun for strong, consistent blooms
Deadhead regularly to promote continued flowering
Harvest when flowers are halfway open to extend vase life
For cut arrangements, try the Chedi variety
If you’re looking for a hardworking summer flower with visual impact and practical benefits, marigolds are a great addition to your garden or bouquet lineup.
~ Melissa