Maraja' White Gold

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Tagetes

Species

erecta

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant with a globular, well-stemmed habitus, whose ornamental value is conferred by its luxuriant and prolonged flowering, which gives colour and liveliness to gardens, balconies and terraces during the spring-summer period until early or mid-autumn, depending on the variety, with a profusion of flower heads that are also well appreciated by insects useful for pollination and the preservation of biodiversity. Easy to cultivate, it adapts well to hot summer climates and is suitable both for uniform compositions and in association with other ornamentals, even of different heights and bearing, creating scenic views.

Variety description

Marajà is a series of large-flowered Marigolds erecta with a strong, vigorous plant and a globular, rounded habit thanks to excellent tillering. Easy and quick to grow in the greenhouse, in spring it is ready in 5-6 weeks. Reaches a final height of 40-45 cm.

Curiosities and special features

Lutein, a carotenoid used as a food additive and supplement, is extracted from the flowers of Tagetes erecta .

Some varieties are also cultivated for the production of cut flowers.

Origin and distribution

Botanical species native to Central America and Guatemala; similarly to the species Tagetes patula it came to Europe in the 1500s for ornamental purposes. Of interest are the new varieties and the interspecific hybrid Tagetes patula x erecta.

Flower size

The flower individually is large in size compared to that of other varieties, lending elegance to the inflorescence in which it is clustered.

Leaf

The leaf has an imparipinnate lamina.

Flowering period

The prolonged and copious flowering extends from mid-spring to early autumn for a duration of 170 to 200 days, ensuring a continuity in the presence of the decorative and showy inflorescences that will act as a focal point for a long time.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence head, typical of Species belonging to the botanical Family Asteraceae, borne at the apex of the peduncles.

Leaf colour

Solid-coloured, in perfect colour balance with the shade of the inflorescences.

Plant height

The plant height varies from 0.41 to 0.46 m, perfect for creating homogenous single groups as well as mixed compositions with other ornamental herbaceous plants of different development, creating highly decorative views.

Lifespan

Annual herbaceous plant.

Where to plant

Versatile, it is ideal for adding colour and vibrancy to flowerbeds, balconies, borders and outdoor tubs.

Stem

The stems, glabrous and robust, are herbaceous; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is pom-pom-shaped, large, with a bell-shaped corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in large flower head inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 170 and 200 days. It has unmistakable bitter notes and is fragrant, with a penetrating aroma. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

A variety with globular growth, ideal for formally proportionate results.

Plant habit

It develops an erect habitus, visually reinforced by the head-like inflorescences at the top of the stems.

Branching

It developsabundant branching, taking on additional ornamental value.

PH

The ideal pH of the Soil/medium for Tagetes erecta is slightly acidic, with optimum values between 5.5 and 6.5. If the pH drops below 5.5 during cultivation, excesses of iron and manganese are possible, which manifest themselves as internerval spot chlorosis.

Soil preparation

For transplanting in mid- to late spring, carry out light digging to remove any weeds, previous crop residues and bulky stones; it is also advisable to bury organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser. In order to ensure better drainage of excess water, thus preventing harmful water stagnation, carry out light berming to create a raised bed where the plants will be planted and carefully level the surface.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun, afternoon sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 17 and 21 °C. The vital temperature is between 1 and 40 °C. It adapts well to hot summer climates.

Use

Due to its developed habit, vigorous growth and uniform flowering with ever-bright hues, it is a widely appreciated herbaceous species in:

Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping

Hardiness

Highly rustic variety.

Soil

The ideal soil for flowerbeds is medium-textured, well-drained soil; for use in pots and planters, a specific, professional-quality substrate of peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

The extremely easy cultivation and the low level of management effort required add further value to the variety.

Growing tips

Below are specific aspects and cultivation conditions to achieve better vegetative growth and conspicuous flowering:

Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Prefers warm and dry climate

Combinations with other plants

Ideal for compact and colourful ornamental compositions, also associated with flowering plants with different heights in order to create perspective views; colour combinations can include shades of the same hue or an alternation by choosing from the different varieties available, composing designs or patterns according to personal fantasy. Colour spots or simple borders can be formed with other herbaceous species such as Begonia semperflorens, Lobularia x hybrida, Salvia farinacea and Zinnia marylandica.

Planting

For transplanting into beds we recommend an average density of 18 plants per square metre in order to allow each specimen to develop properly, thus achieving a proportionate composition and visually compact and uniform final effects. We suggest placing each seedling with the collar off the soil surface, burying the lump completely and taking care not to damage the roots; water immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct or irrigation channel, by hand watering or with an irrigation system. Irrigate immediately after transplanting, allowing the soil to settle around the lump. Then allow the soil or substrate to dry slightly between irrigation. Irrigate the seedlings in the morning and do not water the aerial part during the afternoon or evening to prevent the spread of plant diseases.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

During the spring-summer period, following proper post-transplant settling, regularly apply a balanced fertiliser suitable for ornamental species to the soil or substrate at the foot of the plant, to be distributed in liquid form, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

Maraja marigold plants reach an adult height of 40-45 cm. And a width of 25-30 cm. The plants in the bed should therefore be placed 18 cm to 22 cm apart. between them. At 22 cm. For earlier transplants, know that you have to weed twice before the vegetation 'closes'. Place at 18 cm. In late transplants and with the heat already strong at the time of transplanting. Flowering is copious and continues for 6 months in spring and into mid-autumn.