The History of Marigolds From Wildflowers to Gardens
The History of Marigolds
From Wildflowers to gardens
These bright, cheerful flowers have a long history and a journey that’s really interesting to explore.
The article below has some basic information about and explains where Marigolds originated from.
What You will learn in this article
Where did Marigolds come from
Who were the first to use Marigolds
How Did Marigolds First Travel
What Was the Original Name of Marigolds
Which Type of Marigolds Came First
The Mystery of the Names
Marigolds in Gardens
Where Did Marigolds Originally Come From?
Marigolds were once wildflowers in parts of Central and South America, especially in Mexico.
They grew in open fields and sunny areas long before anyone planted them in gardens.
Who were the first to use Marigolds
The Maya were some of the first people to use Marigolds, particularly during the golden age from 250 to 900 CE.
Many centuries later between 1325 and 1521 CE the Aztecs expanded on this tradition.
Marigolds were used for ceremonies, decorations, and traditional purposes.
They may have even started planting them on purpose to save the seed of the brightest flowers.
How Did Marigolds First Travel Outside the Americas?
Eventually Marigolds traveled outside of the Americas.
Spanish explorers brought seed back to Spain in the early 1500s, and was the first Country outside of the Americas, where Marigolds were brought and grew successfully.
The warm climate helped the flowers adapt quickly, and they soon became popular in gardens across Europe.
That was just the beginning of Marigolds journey around the world.
What Was the Original Name of Marigolds in South America?
Before Europeans gave them the name marigold, the Aztecs had their own name for these flowers.
In the Nahuatl language, they called them cempōhualxōchitl (or cempasúchil in Spanish).
The name means something like twenty flowers or a bunch of flowers, which makes sense because of all the petals on a marigold bloom.
This is the very first recorded name for marigolds, long before the seed left the Americas.
Which Type of Marigolds Came First
While there are many varieties today, the very first marigolds cultivated by the Aztecs were the large, tall species known as Tagetes erecta.
Even though they started in Mexico, these are commonly called African Marigolds today.
Shortly after, a smaller, bushier wild version called Tagetes patula was discovered.
These two types are the ancestors of almost every marigold you see in gardens now.
The Mystery of the Names
It is a common mistake to think these flowers are native to the places they are named after.
African Marigolds got their name because they traveled from the Americas to North Africa, where they grew so well that Europeans thought they were native to that continent.
French Marigolds were brought to France from the Americas, where gardeners loved them so much they bred many new colors until the name French eventually stuck.
In their original wild form, these flowers did not have the puffy shapes we see today. Instead, they had simple, flat petals that looked much more like daisies.
Marigolds in Spanish Gardens
In Spain, marigolds became popular in home gardens and public spaces for their bright colors.
Gardeners planted them along walkways and in borders for beauty, and they were sometimes used to repel insects.
Small bouquets or indoor arrangements also brought color into homes.
Over time, gardeners experimented with different varieties, helping marigolds spread throughout Europe.
Marigolds are more than just cheerful flowers.
From their wild beginnings in the Americas to gardens across the world, they carry a history full of culture, beauty, and meaning, making them truly special plants to grow and enjoy.
Fun Fact
The name Marigolds actually come from Mary's gold, as the bright red, yellow and orange flowers were associated with the virgin Mary in early Europe.
Visit the main blog page above for gardening tips on growing marigolds.
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