Tagetes glandulosa Schrank ex Link: Overview
Tagetes glandulosa Schrank ex Link, commonly known as sticky marigold, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The species name "glandulosa" pertains to the glandular hairs that are present in the plant.
Origin and Distribution
Sticky marigold is native to South America, specifically in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. However, the plant is also cultivated in other parts of the world, such as in the United States, Mexico, and India.
Common Names
Aside from sticky marigold, Tagetes glandulosa Schrank ex Link is also known by other common names such as "stinking roger", "big root", "wild marigold", and "black mint".
Appearance
The plant has a distinctive appearance, growing up to 10-100 cm in height. It has branching stems that are covered with glandular hairs, and leaves that are alternate, pinnately divided, and have a feathery appearance. The inflorescence is composed of numerous flower heads that are orange, yellow, or red in color. The flower heads are typically 4-7 cm in diameter.
Uses
Sticky marigold has several applications. In traditional medicine, the plant is used as a remedy for various ailments such as earaches, colds, headaches, and respiratory problems. The plant is also used in the fragrance industry to produce perfumes and soaps due to its aromatic properties. Moreover, sticky marigold is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its brightly colored flowers.
Light Requirements
Tagetes glandulosa Schrank ex Link prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly. Therefore, it is advisable to plant it in an area that receives direct sunlight for most parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Tagetes glandulosa Schrank ex Link is between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is essential to avoid planting it in areas with extreme temperatures, as they can harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can thrive in various soil types, including sandy, loam, and clay soils. However, it is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged as it can cause root rot to the plant. It requires moderate moisture to grow, so it is essential to water it regularly during the growing season.
Cultivation methods for Tagetes glandulosa Schrank ex Link
Tagetes glandulosa Schrank ex Link, commonly known as wild marigold, is an annual plant that grows up to 2 feet tall and approximately 1-2 feet wide. This plant thrives well in areas receiving about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. It prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter and can grow in neutral to slightly acidic soils.
If you desire to cultivate this plant, start by preparing the planting site by removing weeds and rocks as they may hinder the plant's growth. Sow the seeds in the prepared site at a depth of ¼ inch in a row spacing of about 6-12 inches apart. Wild marigold seeds germinate between 5 and 15 days when grown in moist soil and at temperatures ranging from 21°C to 30°C.
Watering needs and fertilization
Tagetes glandulosa Schrank ex Link requires moderate water, and it is vital to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant once every week, and if it rains, you may skip watering for that week. It would be best if you watered in the morning to ensure the plant leaves get enough time to dry off the moisture before the sunsets. This will help prevent fungal infections.
An essential factor in growing wild marigolds is to fertilize the soil regularly. This plant particularly benefits from the addition of organic matter like compost and well-rotted manure before planting and every four weeks after that. A good fertilizer to use is one with a formulation of N-P-K 20-10-20 or equivalent. Use the manufacturer's recommendation and apply twice a month to promote healthy growth.
Pruning Tagetes glandulosa Schrank ex Link
Pruning and deadheading will help stimulate the growth of new and vibrant flowers and improve their overall outlook. If you notice spent or wilted flowers, remove them immediately by pinching or cutting below the base of the stem. This helps to redirect the plant's energy to other blooms and promote always blooming appearance.
Additionally, you can prune the plant's tips after flowering and remove about 1/3 of the plant. This encourages new growth and prolongs the flowering period. However, it would be safe to prune before mid-August to reduce the likelihood of frost damage late in the season.
Propagation of Tagetes Glandulosa Schrank ex Link
Tagetes glandulosa Schrank ex Link, commonly known as the sticky marigold, is a species of marigold that is native to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Propagation Methods
The plant can be propagated both by seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method used for this plant. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground or in a container. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and they should be covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 10 to 14 days. Once the seeds have germinated, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another way to propagate Tagetes glandulosa. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be at least 6 inches long. The cuttings should be taken in the spring, and they should be placed in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be kept in a shady area until they have started to grow new leaves. Once the cuttings have established roots, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management of Tagetes Glandulosa Schrank ex Link
Tagetes glandulosa Schrank ex Link, also known as the glandular marigold, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers. Like any other plant species, Tagetes glandulosa is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can compromise its health and growth. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect this plant, along with ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die. The best way to manage powdery mildew is to remove infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Apply neem oil or a fungicide to prevent the disease from spreading.
2. Gray Mold: Gray mold is a fungal disease that causes the flowers and leaves to wilt and turn brown. It is usually caused by over-watering or high humidity. Infected plant parts should be removed and disposed of, and the plant should be watered from the base to avoid wetting the leaves. Improve air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity. Apply a copper-based fungicide to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that are often found on the undersides of leaves and on the stems of plants. They suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to kill the remaining ones.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They cause the leaves to turn yellow and develop a stippled appearance. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to kill the remaining ones. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to control their population.
By following these disease and pest management strategies, you can ensure that your Tagetes glandulosa Schrank ex Link plant remains healthy and vibrant.
