Durango Outback Mix

Introduction[edit]

Tagetes patula, commonly known as the French marigold, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Mexico and Guatemala but has been widely naturalized in many other countries^[1]. The plant is valued for its vibrant, brightly colored blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red, making it a popular choice for gardens and ornamental purposes^[2]^[3]. The Durango Outback Mix is a specific variety of French marigold known for its highly branching plants and large, uniform blooms^[4].

Characteristics[edit]

Physical Characteristics: French marigolds are annuals that typically grow between 6 to 12 inches tall and 6 to 8 inches wide^[5]. They have pinnately compound leaves and produce double, semi-double, or crested flowers in various colors^[6].
Growing Conditions: These plants thrive in full sun with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They are tolerant of poor soils but perform best in well-drained, moderately fertile soils with a pH between 6 and 7^[7]^[8]. French marigolds are drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering for optimal flowering^[9].
Lifecycle: The plants bloom from early summer through autumn and are frost intolerant, meaning they are killed by freezing temperatures^[10]^[11].

Why is this crop useful for space?[edit]

While there is no specific mention of Tagetes patula being cultivated in space, plants like French marigolds could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Air Purification: Plants are known to purify air by removing CO2 and releasing oxygen, which is crucial in closed environments like space stations. - Psychological Benefits: The presence of plants can have positive psychological effects on astronauts, improving mood and reducing stress. - Food and Dye: The flowers of French marigolds can be used as a natural dye and in salads, providing a source of nutrition and color in space^[12]. - Pest Control: The roots of marigolds are known to repel nematodes, which could be useful in controlling pests in hydroponic systems used in space^[13].

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)[edit]

There is no documented history of Tagetes patula being cultivated in space. However, various plants have been grown in space as part of experiments to understand plant growth in microgravity and to develop sustainable food systems for future long-duration missions. For example, plants like lettuce and radishes have been grown on the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA’s Veggie project. These experiments aim to explore the feasibility of growing crops in space for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

References: - ^[14] The Spruce: French Marigold Care Guide - ^[15] Wikipedia: Tagetes patula - ^[16] NCSU Plants: Tagetes patula - ^[17] Johnny’s Selected Seeds: Durango Outback Mix Marigold Seed

Note: The specific reference to space cultivation experiments with Tagetes patula is not available, but general information on plant growth in space is relevant.

References[edit]

[1] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagetes_patula

[2] ttps://thespruce.com/french-marigold-care-guide-8603449

[3] ttps://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tagetes-patula

[4] ttps://johnnyseeds.com/flowers/marigold/durango-outback-mix-marigold-seed-1821.html

[5] ttps://thespruce.com/french-marigold-care-guide-8603449

[6] ttps://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tagetes-patula

[7] ttps://thespruce.com/french-marigold-care-guide-8603449

[8] ttps://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tagetes-patula

[9] ttps://thespruce.com/french-marigold-care-guide-8603449

[10] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagetes_patula

[11] ttps://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tagetes-patula

[12] ttps://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tagetes-patula

[13] ttps://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tagetes-patula

[14] ttps://thespruce.com/french-marigold-care-guide-8603449

[15] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagetes_patula

[16] ttps://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tagetes-patula

[17] ttps://johnnyseeds.com/flowers/marigold/durango-outback-mix-marigold-seed-1821.html

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