African Marigold named Crackerjack Gold #1 is a photograph by J McCombie which was uploaded on January 16th, 2013.
African Marigold named Crackerjack Gold #1
An African-type with extra large, fully double blooms in four shades from pale yellow, lemon, and gold to deep orange. Sturdy plants reach a height... more
by J McCombie
Title
African Marigold named Crackerjack Gold #1
Artist
J McCombie
Medium
Photograph
Description
An African-type with extra large, fully double blooms in four shades from pale yellow, lemon, and gold to deep orange. Sturdy plants reach a height of 24-30 inches.
No annual is more cheerful or easier to grow than marigolds. These flowers are the spendthrifts among annuals, showing a wealth of gold, copper, and brass into our summer and autumn gardens. The flower’s popularity probably derives in part from its ability to bloom brightly all summer long.
Marigolds have daisy-like or double, carnation-like flowerheads and are produced singly or in clusters. Although there are some 50 species, some marigolds we know come from just three:
Tagetes erecta are the tallest, at three to five feet. They are sometimes known as African or American marigolds.
Bushy T. patula, or French marigolds, are somewhat smaller and more compact. Elegant and eye-catching, they have relatively demure flowers and usually grow from 6 inches to 2 feet tall.
The dainty T. tenuifolia are the signet, or rock-garden, marigolds that like hot, dry sites and make a wonderful edging. Their flowers are edible.
Marigolds have been sterotyped but they offer tremendous variety; some have fantastic aroma; all marigolds are good in containers and provide long-lasting cut flowers.
The bright petals of signet marigolds add color and a spicy tang to salads and other summer dishes.
The flower petals are sometimes cooked with rice to impart the color (but unfortunately not the flavor) of saffron.
'Mexican Mint' (sometimes called Texas tarragon) is a study little herb that can be substituted for French tarragon in cooking. This species has been long used in Latin America for tea as well as seasoning.
In the late 1960s, Burpee president David Burpee launched an energetic campaign to have marigolds named the national flower, but in the end, roses won out.
For years, farmers have included the open-pollinated African marigold 'Crackerjack' in chicken feed to make egg yolks a darker yellow.
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January 16th, 2013
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