• Scientific Names: Common marigolds include Tagetes spp. (French and African marigolds) and Calendula officinalis (pot marigold).

Description:
Marigolds are bright, cheerful flowers known for their vibrant yellow, orange, and red hues, often grown in gardens for their beauty, pest control benefits, and medicinal properties. Marigolds have distinctive, aromatic foliage and bloom from early summer through fall. While Tagetes species are primarily used as decorative plants and pest deterrents, Calendula officinalis (pot marigold) is widely recognized for its medicinal uses.

Characteristics:

• Appearance: Marigolds have soft, ruffled petals that form dense, full blooms. Tagetes species have rounded flowers with dense petals, while Calendula has a simpler, daisy-like flower structure.
• Fragrance: Marigolds have a distinct, pungent scent, especially in Tagetes species, which helps repel garden pests.
• Habitat: Marigolds thrive in sunny locations with well-draining soil and are commonly cultivated in gardens worldwide. They are resilient annuals, easy to grow, and can tolerate various soil conditions.

Common Uses:

1. Gardening and Pest Control:
   Marigolds are popular in companion planting due to their natural pest-repellent properties, especially in vegetable gardens. They produce compounds that deter pests like aphids, nematodes, and certain beetles, making them beneficial for protecting other plants.
2. Medicinal Uses (Calendula):
   Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) is used in traditional and herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-healing properties. Calendula is a common ingredient in creams, ointments, and salves for skin conditions like rashes, wounds, and minor burns.
3. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory:
   Calendula flowers contain flavonoids and carotenoids, which act as antioxidants. They may be used in herbal teas and extracts to support immune health, reduce inflammation, and promote general well-being.
4. Skincare and Cosmetics:
   Calendula extract is widely used in natural skincare products for its soothing, healing properties. It is valued for sensitive and irritated skin and is commonly included in products for eczema, acne, and dry skin.
5. Culinary Uses:
   Calendula petals are edible and sometimes referred to as “poor man’s saffron” for their yellow-orange color, which can be used to add color to dishes. They are added to salads, soups, or rice dishes for color and a mild, earthy flavor.
6. Dye Production:
   The petals of marigolds, particularly calendula, have historically been used as a natural dye, producing a yellow to orange color for fabrics and food coloring.

Forms and Consumption:
Marigold petals, especially from calendula, can be used fresh in salads or dried for teas and extracts. Calendula flowers are commonly steeped in oils to make infused oils, which are then used in homemade creams, balms, and other herbal products.