In our October 29 Instagram carousel, we showed how African marigold quietly works in three areas of your life:
- In your cup
- In your routine
- In your soil
This blog post is the “extended version” of that story, focused on the exact marigold we grow at Green Unison:
African marigold – Tagetes erecta
Tall plants, bold yellow blooms, strong leaf scent. That’s the one.
1. Meet African marigold (Tagetes erecta)
African marigold is a tall, branching marigold from the daisy family (Asteraceae). It originally comes from Mexico and Central America, but it thrives beautifully in warm climates like Nigeria.
The bright golden colour of the petals comes from natural pigments called carotenoids (especially lutein). These give marigolds their sunny colour and make the petals useful for:
- natural colour in food and oils
- herbal tea blends (caffeine-free)
- natural dye for crafts and textiles
Researchers also pay attention to African marigold because its roots release natural compounds that can help reduce certain root-knot nematodes in the soil when marigolds are used as part of an integrated planting plan.
At Green Unison, the variety we grow and dry is African marigold (Tagetes erecta), and it is the same plant behind all our marigold-based products.
2. In the garden: marigold as a working companion
On the farm, African marigold isn’t just decoration. We treat it as a working plant that supports the rest of the garden.
Companion planting and soil support
Farmers and gardeners have used marigold around vegetables for years because:
- Marigold roots can help reduce pressure from certain soil nematodes over time when planted densely.
- The natural scent of marigold foliage can make beds less attractive to some pests.
- The bright flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects, which support fruiting crops.
Realistic expectations:
- Marigolds won’t stop every pest.
- They work best as one tool in a wider organic strategy (crop rotation, mulching, composting, healthy soil care).
How you can use them:
- Ring your vegetable beds with marigold plants, especially near tomatoes, peppers, okra and pumpkins.
- Space plants 25–40 cm apart so they can fill out properly.
- Allow blooms to mature, then chop and incorporate dried plant residue at the end of the season.
If you’d like to try this:
🌼 Nature Powered Marigold Seeds – High-Germination
You can also find marigold seedlings and other seedlings we have available.
3. For your routine: dried petals, infused oil & hydrosol
In the October 29 IG post, we showed marigold transitioning from garden to routine. At Green Unison, we keep this side of marigold cosmetic, culinary and craft-based only—never medical.
a) Dried African marigold petals
Our Nature Powered Dried Marigold Petals – Pure & Vibrant are carefully dried African marigold petals with preserved colour and aroma.
You can use them as:
- A gentle herbal tea ingredient
- Natural colouring for oils, foods and drinks
- An ingredient in DIY crafts (bath salts, wax melts, soap, potpourri)
Basic marigold petal tea
- 1–2 teaspoons dried petals
- 1 cup hot water
- Steep 5–10 minutes
- Sweeten if desired
This creates a warm, golden herbal drink with a soft flavour that pairs well with peppermint, spearmint, lemongrass or lavender.
🌼Dried Marigold Petals – Pure & Vibrant
If you have allergies—especially to daisy-family plants—or any health condition, check with a qualified professional before making marigold tea a regular habit.
b) Marigold infused oil – soft, comforting body oil (external use)
Infused oil is created by steeping dried marigold petals in a plant carrier oil so the colour and oil-soluble compounds gently release.
Green Unison’s Nature Powered Marigold Infused Oil – Soft & Comforting is:
- made from dried African marigold petals
- filtered and bottled for external use only
- a gentle herbal cosmetic oil for everyday body care and hair care
How to use it:
- As a body oil after bathing (on damp skin)
- As a massage oil for tired muscles
- Smoothed over dry elbows, knees and shins
- Lightly applied to hair ends as part of a hair oil blend (external use only)
You can also layer it with other infused oils like mint or lavender infused oil.
Safety
- Patch-test first
- Avoid eyes, lips, broken skin
- Discontinue if irritation occurs
- Follow your dermatologist’s guidance for persistent skin concerns
🌼Marigold Infused Oil – Soft & Comforting
c) Marigold hydrosol – gentle floral water
During steam distillation, plants release:
- a concentrated essential oil
- a gentler aromatic water called hydrosol or floral water
Green Unison’s Nature Powered Marigold Hydrosol – Gentle & Soothing is:
- pure floral water from African marigold
- suitable for external use only
- a soft way to enjoy marigold’s aromatic character
Ways to use hydrosol:
- As a face mist or toner
- As a linen or pillow spray
- As a gentle body mist (avoid eyes and mucous membranes)
- As base water in simple DIY cosmetic blends
🌼 Marigold Hydrosol – Gentle & Soothing
d) Where essential oils fit into your routine
Essential oils are concentrated aromatic extracts. Green Unison essential oils (lavender, mint, rosemary and more) are intended for:
- diffusers,
- very well-diluted blends,
- and room aromatics.
They are not for ingestion and should always be diluted before skin contact.
Pairing ideas:
- Use marigold hydrosol + marigold infused oil for a soft base
- Add essential oils only in diffusers or diluted DIY blends
- Keep essential oils far away from children, pets and vulnerable individuals
4. Beyond routine: tea, colour & craft
With dried African marigold petals in your pantry, you have multiple options:
- Herbal teas – blend with mint, spearmint, lemongrass or lavender
- Natural colouring – tint oils, syrups, broths or rice
- Natural dye – colour cotton, wool or silk in warm golden tones
- Decor & craft – sprinkle in candles (surface only), soaps, bath salts, and table décor
Keep items clearly labelled for food, cosmetic, or craft use.
Dried Marigold Petals – Pure & Vibrant
5. Quick FAQs: African marigold, hydrosol & infused oil
1) Is African marigold the same as calendula?
No.
- African marigold = Tagetes erecta
- Calendula (pot marigold) = Calendula officinalis
Green Unison’s marigold petals, hydrosol and infused oil all come from African marigold (Tagetes erecta).
2) Can I drink marigold tea every day?
African marigold petals are considered edible and are traditionally used in small amounts. We treat marigold tea as a culinary herbal drink, not medicine.
Check with a qualified professional if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have allergies (especially Asteraceae family)
- have a health condition
- or take medications
3) Are marigold products medicine?
No. Green Unison products are:
- Dried petals – culinary & craft ingredient
- Infused oil – cosmetic external-use oil
- Hydrosol – external-use floral water
- Seeds/seedlings – for gardening
They are not drugs and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
4) Can marigold replace chemical pesticides?
Marigold helps, but it is not a complete replacement.
Use it as:
- a soil-supporting crop
- a border flower for diversity
- part of an integrated pest-management approach
Combine with proper soil care, mulching, composting and crop rotation.