Friday, May 3, 2013

The Benefits of Marigold Flowers

I had never associated marigold flowers with growing tea plants until I received an E-newsletter from Glenburn Tea Estate a few days ago.  



Glenburn Tea Estate is located high in the Himalayan mountain region of India, near Kolkaka. Doesn't it look like a beautiful estate to visit?

[Photo courtesy of Glenburn website]

According to Glenburn's newsletter, the pest resistant properties of marigolds make it a good companion plant for tea [as well as other crops].  Marigolds produce bioactive compounds that are very effective against plant parasitic nematodes [worms] that cause root knot and cysts.  The presence of marigolds, especially due to its dense growth, suppresses weeds that are adverse to tea.   Marigolds are very shallow rooted, so they don't compete with tea roots for nutrients. Also the biomass generated once the plant has matured is invaluable as organic matter contributed to the soil.


[Photos courtesy of Glenburn E-newsletter]


So as you sip your tea, be grateful for marigolds and their role in the growth of tea plants!



6 comments:

  1. Very interesting --- marigolds are such a cheerful color. I would love to see them amidst tea trees!

    LaDonna
    Gracious Hospitality

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  2. OK, you've sold me--I am going to plant some marigolds next to my tea plant! Thanks for the tip!

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  3. We have planted marigolds in our vegetable garden for a long time. Wouldn't it be fun to see the marigolds in person growing among the tea plants at Glenburn Tea Estate?

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  4. Glenburn Tea Estate is beautiful. I loved seeing the pictures. Interesting info about marigolds. Thanks for sharing, Phyllis.

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  5. Marigolds are a companion plant to tomatoes as well for much the same reasons. I've never like the smell they leave on your hands when dead heading them.
    Judith

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