Marigolds are a flower that have been traveling in the Atlantic for centuries, and have been included in our gardens for even longer. Find out what makes this flower so interesting here!

The History of Marigolds

Marigolds are a surprisingly far-flung flower that has traveled across the Atlantic on multiple occasions. The first recorded instance of marigold flowers being brought to North America was in 1603 when Spanish explorers arrived in Florida and noted the presence of the flowers.

Marigolds have also been found in Canada, Mexico, and Peru. In 1907, an American marigold named ‘Peruvian Sunset’ was exhibited at the World’s Fair in Chicago. The plant was from Peru and had been sent to the fair by a Peruvian organization.

In 1928, a marigold named ‘Mrs. Alfred Tousey’ was grown in England and then taken to the United States. The plant became very popular and was exhibited at numerous botanical gardens before it was donated to the New York Botanical Garden in 1957.

Today, marigolds can be found growing all over the world, including in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.

How to Grow Marigolds

If you love bright colors in your garden, marigolds are a great option. This flower has traveled across the Atlantic on multiple occasions and can be found growing in many parts of the world. Here are three tips on how to grow this colorful flower.

First, choose a sunny spot in your garden for marigolds. They thrive in areas with plenty of sunlight and won’t do well in shaded areas.

Secondly, prepare the soil before planting them by adding organic matter and good drainage. You can also add fertilizer if you desire.

Lastly, water the plants regularly and fertilize them monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Marigolds will reward you with beautiful blooms year after year!

How to Use and Enjoy Marigolds

Marigolds are a surprisingly far-flung flower that has traveled across the Atlantic on multiple occasions. While they may not be well known in many parts of the world, these blooms have made an impact on regional cuisine and floral design in Europe and North America. Here are some ways to enjoy marigolds:

As a colorful addition to salads or as a standalone dish, marigold leaves and flowers can be mixed with other greens to create an eye-catching plate. They can also be used as a base for colourful fruit salads or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Marigolds are often used in Floral Design but can also be enjoyed for their sweet fragrance. Try diffusing a few drops of lavender oil into the room before adding your marigold plants to get that relaxing scent. Fill up your vase with fresh flowers to brighten up any room or add some colour to your desk at work.

For those who love crafting, marigold petals make a beautiful filler for flower arrangements or can be used as an embellishment on card designs and other crafts. Lastly, if you’re looking for something fun and easy to do in the garden, try adding some marigold flower seeds to your next container planting. Marigold flowers are easy to grow and will naturally attract bees and butterflies.

Where They Travel To

Marigolds have been found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Surprisingly, they have also been found in the Atlantic Ocean! The flowers were first documented on the East Coast of North America, specifically Bermuda. They have since been documented as far south as Chile and Argentina.

The marigold has a long history of being a trade flower. In medieval times, it was thought that the flower had healing properties and was used to treat skin conditions such as acne. Today, marigolds are still widely traded and used for their color and fragrance.

Marigolds may be a surprise traveler, but they are certainly not alone in this regard! Many other flowers have been found in far-off places- some you might even know! For example, roses have been found growing in Peru, jonquils grow in China, and daisies can be found all over Europe!

Conclusion

Marigolds are a surprisingly far-flung flower that has traveled across the Atlantic on multiple occasions. Although it is native to North America, marigolds have been found in Europe and even Africa. This indicates that they have the ability to adapt to new environments, which is an important trait for a plant species that is expected to face increasing challenges from climate change.