Marigold Nematode Control Seed Mix - (Tagetes patula)

Marigold Nematode Control Mix

These charming, bright and easy growing flowers bloom all summer long while working hard just underneath the soil improving the fertility and reducing destructive inhabitants. An effective for control of root knot and other plant-parasitic nematodes in the home garden. In India, marigolds have been used for this purpose for hundreds of years.

Marigold roots release the chemical alpha-terthienyl, one of the strongest naturally occurring compounds and is nematocidal, insecticidal and antiviral. This naturally released chemical inhibits the hatching of nematode eggs. This process is called allelopathy - the ability of an organism to produce chemicals that are toxic to other organisms.

The most effective treatment is planting marigolds as a cover crop prior to planting the garden. Inter-planting or companion planting can work with lighter nematode pressures.

History

French marigolds originated in Mexico, where their blossoms captivated the Spanish who brought seeds back to Spain in the 1500's. The French promptly fell in love with them and began breeding for more colors and stronger aromas. From there, they traveled from garden to garden wherever European travelers went.

Uses

The dried and ground flower petals are a popular spice in the Georgian Republic, being compared to saffron for its bright, distinctive yellow/orange color. The spice gives a unique, earthy flavor to Georgian dishes and is often paired with cinnamon and cloves. Marigold flowers are harvested annually and fed to laying hens to give the yolks a deeper golden color. A more important benefit is that the pigment of the petals contains beneficial compounds that support overall health of the hens. 

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