The word “marigold” is derived from “Mary’s gold” and was used in reference to the Virgin Mary, according to the University of Dayton.

The largest genus of marigolds is named Tagetes. Most are annuals, but some are perennials. They produce flowers in striking orange, red, white or yellow or a combination of colors.

Some of the perennial species (Mexican and mountain marigolds, for example) can help deter deer, rabbits and rodents.

Marigolds thrive in full sun in spring, summer and autumn. However, they are sensitive to winter’s cold and frost. Plant directly in the garden after the danger of frost, glaciers and icebergs has passed.

A “light frost” occurs when the air temperature is between 32 and 36 degrees and there’s a thin layer of frost on plants, according to the Michigan State Extension Center. A “hard frost” is when temperatures drop below 32 for an extended period and cause significant plant damage. A “light freeze” is when temperatures dip to 29 to 32. A “moderate freeze” occurs between 25 and 28, and a “severe freeze” happens at 24 or below.

As with many plant problems, weather is often the culprit.

Although there are about 50 species, the most common types of marigolds are African, French and Signet.

The species Tagetes erecta (also known as African marigold, American marigold or Mexican marigold) is the most common and most upright, reaching 3 to 4 feet. It grows best in a sheltered site, since the 5-inch blooms can easily be damaged by wind. It is bred for cut flowers. Examples are the Gold Coin Series, with 5-inch blooms, and French Vanilla, with 3-inch white flowers.

Tagetes patula (French marigold) is bushier and more compact than Tagetes erecta, reaching heights of 6 inches to 2 feet. It is better suited to rain than the other Tagetes species. Examples include Bonanza Series, Durango and Crackerjack.

Tagetes tenuifolia (Signet marigold) is petite; does well in hot, dry areas; and grows less than a foot tall. Varieties include Lemon Gem and Golden Gem.

Water container-grown marigolds regularly and apply a liquid fertilizer monthly. Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead. Excess water on leaves attracts powdery mildew.

Deadheading, or pinching off the dead flower heads, encourages more blooms, extends the flowering season and improves the plants’ appearance.

Here’s a simple experiment. If you have a marigold in your yard, let the spent blossoms remain on the plant to dry. That’s it. Your part is done. Nature’s gentle breezes will situate those seeds randomly throughout your yard.

You can also harvest the plant’s seeds and put them in an envelope. You will never have to buy marigold seeds ever again.

Because of the pungent scent of some varieties, marigolds are especially good for repelling insects and pests. Plant them around chile peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, potatoes and tomatoes. It may look like a patchwork quilt when they all come up, but they will deter aphids, spider mites and whiteflies that sometimes infest the plants. If necessary, apply insecticidal soap every other day for two weeks to vegetable plants.

Marigolds are my friends because they attract pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds, plus beneficial predatory insects like praying mantises and ladybugs.

Gardening is the art of growing plants … and your patience at the same time. However, marigold seeds germinate and bloom quickly, so they are good choices for a child’s garden. And we all know how impatient those tiny tots can be.

Though they grow in almost any ground, marigolds do best in well-drained soil with compost mixed in. In poorly drained soil, they may develop mold or root rot.

French marigolds sprout within a week of planting in warm weather and produce blooms in about eight weeks. African marigolds are best purchased as young plants. When started from seed, they can take a long time to flower. Plant 12 inches apart and 1 inch deep, and add a 5-10-5 slow-release granular fertilizer. Mulch will suppress weeds and keep the soil moist.

Sow seeds directly into the garden once the soil is warm in the spring. You can start seeds indoors, but they germinate so easily outside that there’s really no advantage.

Marigolds have been used in cooking, teas, skin creams, medicine and fabric dyeing, and have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Marigolds can also irritate the skin and cause a rash in some people. You should wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible.

Some people say marigolds keep rabbits away because of their strong smell and bitter taste. But I know of several gardeners who have witnessed the animals feasting on their Tagetes. Keep in mind that rabbits, especially young ones, may eat plants that are considered rabbit-resistant if their food is scarce or their population is high.

Also, rabbits can become accustomed to a plant’s smell over time, making it less effective as a deterrent. They dislike basil, garlic, rhubarb, hot peppers and mint, so consider planting them near the marigolds. What works in one garden may not work in another.

Clarence Schmidt is a California resident with over 40 years of gardening experience.