Commercial Floriculture

Origin and History

• The name ‘Tagetes’ was given after ‘Tages’, a demigod, known for his beauty.
• African marigold was first introduced into ‘Spain’ early in the 16th century and became popular in Southern Europe under the name, ‘Rose of the Indies’. This plant was reintroduced into Europe in 1535 under the name, ‘Flos Africonus’ by Emperor Charles V.
• It continued to be so called until well upto the 18th century, although it was correctly figured as Plantas tagetes indica in Fuch’s Herbal of 1547 (Genders, 1971).
• It is native of central and Southern America, especially Mexico.