Marigolds originated in Mexico in the early 1500's, where they were first documented in ritual ceremonies by the Aztecs for religious and medicinal purposes. Believed to treat unfortunate situations, such as hiccups, being struck by lightning, and the sudden necessity to safely cross fast-moving water, the golden flowered plant became a coveted seed by the Spanish, who called the plant “Mary’s Gold” and decorated their altars with the bright orange flowers. Marigolds, being the magical workhorses they are, quickly took root throughout Spain, France, and Africa, and reached into Hindu religious ceremonies adorning village gods during harvest festivals. Shortly after the Revolutionary War, marigolds made their way to America where Burpee introduced traditional American breeding into the plant in 1915.

The Hawaii marigold is a French type, renowned for its ability to support the garden as a natural form of pest control. This variety is known to exude a potent substance called thiophene through its roots and leaves. Thiophene is not a friend to the root-knot nematode (a recurring pest in Hawaiian soils) which tend to move away from marigold roots.

Planting: Start in the nursery, and only very lightly cover seeds for good germination. Seeds will sprout within 7-10 days, keep moist and transplant into the garden within 2-4 weeks.

Cultivation:
Depth: Surface, lightly covered
Spacing: 12-18""
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Days to Maturity: 50 days
Open Pollinated
30 seeds per packet

Packets are made of paper and need to stay dry and in cool, dark storage.
Store in a cool DRY place with NO moisture or the seeds will sprout!

Grown in Hawaiʻi