Marigold

Marigold

Scientific Name:
Tagetes tenuifolia

Family:
Asteraceae

Varieties:

• Red gem (ID: 85)
• Tangerine (ID: 86)

Introduction

Tagetes tenuifolia, commonly known as signet marigold, golden marigold, or lemon marigold, is a species within the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America, specifically widespread across Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Peru. This plant is valued for its ornamental and culinary uses, as well as its insect-repelling properties.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Tagetes tenuifolia is an annual herb that can grow up to 50 cm (20 inches) tall. It features small, bright yellow flowers arranged in a flat-topped array, with each head containing five ray florets and 7–9 disc florets. The leaves are deeply divided into many small parts, less than 3 cm (1.25 inches) long. Varieties like ‘Tangerine Gem’ produce orange flowers with a citrusy fragrance.
• Growing Conditions: Marigolds prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. They are hardy and can survive minor frosts, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
• Lifecycle: As an annual, Tagetes tenuifolia completes its lifecycle within a year. It germinates quickly (4-7 days) and blooms from early summer to late fall.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Tagetes tenuifolia could be beneficial in space cultivation due to several reasons: - Insect Repellent Properties: The plant’s ability to repel insects, including mosquitoes and nematodes, could be valuable in controlled environments like space habitats where pest control is crucial. - Edible Flowers: The flowers have a lemon-like flavor and can be used as a garnish, providing a fresh source of flavor in space missions. - Low Maintenance: Marigolds are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, which is advantageous in space where resources are limited. - Air Purification: Like many plants, marigolds could contribute to air purification by removing CO2 and releasing oxygen, enhancing the air quality in space habitats.

History of Cultivation in Space

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Tagetes tenuifolia in space. However, plants with similar characteristics and benefits have been considered for space missions to improve air quality, provide psychological benefits, and serve as a food source. For example, NASA’s Vegetable Production System (Veggie) has grown various plants in space to test their feasibility for long-term missions. While not specifically documented for Tagetes tenuifolia, its properties make it a candidate for future space cultivation experiments.

References: Wikipedia contributors. (2023). Tagetes tenuifolia. Wikipedia.
Annie’s Heirloom Seeds. (n.d.). Tangerine Gem Marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia).
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). Tagetes tenuifolia.
Plant World Seeds. (n.d.). Tagetes Tenuifolia ‘Tangerine Gem’.
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). Tagetes (Marigold).
NASA. (n.d.). Vegetable Production System (Veggie). NASA.gov.