Marigolds are one of the most easily recognizable symbols of “Dia de los Muertos” - “The Day of The Dead”, but are also fast becoming a symbol of Halloween, explains Beam Sailern of AmeriSeed. Over the last years, this breeder has noticed a worldwide surge in demand for Hybrid Marigold relating to flower production for these two holidays. And the dates are favorable for growers: Although not directly related the dates are always in proximity. “Halloween occurs on the 31st of October and The Day of The Dead on the 2nd of November this year.”
How are they used?
The two annual events differ greatly in traditions and tone. Whereas Halloween is a dark night of terror and mischief, Day of the Dead festivities unfold over two days in an explosion of color and life-affirming joy. “For The Day of The Dead, Marigolds are placed on graves of departed relatives and friends and are used to decorate the alters and shrines during the celebrations. There are several reasons why vibrant Marigold blooms are used in these annual celebrations. One is that people believe that Marigold Flowers use their bright colors to represent the sun. In Aztec mythology, the sun, guides the spirits of the dead on their way to and from the underworld. The scent of the Marigold flowers attracts the departed spirits who return to visit their families and friends. Marigolds, representing the color of the sun, guide the spirits back to meet their living relatives and loved ones.”
Growing for these holidays
Several varieties of AmeriSeed Hybrid Marigolds have been with The Day of The Dead and Halloween in mind, explains Sailern. “To grow marigolds for these specific occasions growers, need an accurate scheduling system from sowing to harvest. Hybrid varieties can be scheduled more accurately than open pollenated types especially when considering flowering time, plant uniformity, yield, flower size and shelf life.”
According to Sailern, for the Day of The Dead and Halloween, growers start to order seeds May to July ready for sowing late July and early August. For fast seed delivery to growers in Latin, AmeriSeed is partnered with Valley Horticultural Company in Mission Texas and for distribution in North America growers and distributors can contact AmeriSeed Inc in Lompoc, California. For contact information please see below:
Recommended varieties
So, which varieties to grow for these two holidays? AmeriSeed recommends the following:
Sumati Orange
Sumati Orange is a new marigold with the following characteristics: “It is super firm, has ball-shaped flowers with exceptionally long stems, is an excellent variety for garlands, bouquets and vase use, has an excellent adaptability to a wide range of climates, is heat and disease tolerant, and has a long shelf life.”
- Approximate height 90 – 120 cm.
- Flower size 8 – 10 cm.
- Germination time 3-5 days
- Sowing to transplant 15-20 days
- Transplant to 1st flowering 70-75 days.
For Day of the Dead and Halloween use suggested sowing time is middle July.
Chedi Orange, Yellow
“Chedi Orange, Yellow is a variety with large and firm flowers with a long shelf life, is tolerant to Soil borne diseases including fusarium, and has an excellent adaptability to a wide range of climates.”
- Approximate height 140 – 150 cm.
- Flower size 10 – 12 cm.
- Germination time 3-5 days
- Sowing to transplant 15-20 days
- Transplant to 1st flowering 70-80 days
For Day of the Dead and Halloween use suggested sowing time is middle July.
Narai Orange
Narai Orange is bred for hot and humid conditions. “On top of that, it is extremely strong and has stiff stems producing large, bushy plants. Also, it is heat and disease tolerant.”
- Approximate height 80 – 100 cm.
- Flower Size 8-10 cm.
- Germination time 3-5 days
- Sowing to transplant 15-20 days
- Transplant to 1st flowering 65-70 days.
For Day of the Dead and Halloween use suggested sowing time is middle July.
For more information:
AmeriSeed
Email: beam.ss@ameriseed.net
Email: tuck.ak@ameriseed.net
www.ameriseed.net