Tagetes

Marigold, African marigold, French marigold, Signet marigold

Message of the Flower

Plasticity

The Mother’s Comment

Always ready for the necessary progress.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

That which can easily change its form is "plastic". Figuratively, it is suppleness, a capacity of adaptation to circumstances and necessities. When I ask you to be plastic in relation to the Divine, I mean not to resist the Divine with the rigidity of preconceived ideas and fixed principles.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1950 - 1951: 14 March 1951

The physical being and physical consciousness must be very plastic to be able to lend themselves to all the necessary changes, so as to be of one kind one day and another the next, and so on.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1950 - 1951: 28 April 1951

The supramental body which has to be brought into being here has four main attributes: lightness, adaptability, plasticity and luminosity… Supramental plasticity will enable it to stand the attack of every hostile force which strives to pierce it: it will present no dull resistance to the attack but will be, on the contrary, so pliant as to nullify the force by giving way to it to pass off. Thus it will suffer no harmful consequences and the most deadly attacks will leave it unscathed.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1929 - 1931: True Humility - Supramental Plasticity - Spiritual Rebirth

Colour

Cream white and shades of yellow, orange, and rust

Family

Asteraceae (Compositae)

Cultivars

Numerous cultivars exist, especially of T. erecta, T. patula, and T. tenuifolia, featuring variations in color, size, and flower form.

Person who named the flower

Carl Linnaeus

Flower Size

Ranges from about 0.5 inches to 4 inches in diameter, depending on the species and cultivar.

Flower Texture

Can vary from smooth to slightly ruffled.

Number of Petals

Single flowers have 5 petals; double varieties appear to have more due to petaloid bracts.

Floral Symmetry

Radially symmetrical.

Fragrance of Flower

Pungent, musky fragrance; foliage is often strongly scented when crushed.

Leaf Texture

Generally, leaves are finely divided and fern-like in appearance.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite or alternate, depending on the species.

Leaf Color

Green, sometimes with a hint of maroon.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Herbaceous annuals or perennials, depending on the climate.

Life Cycle

Most commonly grown as annuals; perennials in warmer climates.

Blooming Period

Summer to frost.

Climate

Warm, temperate climates; not frost-tolerant.

Water Requirements

Moderate, prefers well-drained soil.

Soil Type

Adaptable to a range of soil types but prefers well-drained, fertile soil.

Temperature Ranges

Grows best in warm conditions; not cold-hardy.

Sun or Shade

Full sun to partial shade.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew under certain conditions.

Pollinators

Susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew under certain conditions.

Habitat

Gardens, cultivated beds, and borders; originally from the Americas.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar for pollinators; certain species are used as companion plants for pest control.

Ornamental

Widely grown for ornamental purposes; valued for their vibrant colors and ease of cultivation.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Extracts from some species are used in the cosmetic industry; also used in natural pest control in agriculture.

Endangered Status

Not endangered; widely cultivated.