As Día de los Muertos celebrations grow across North America, so does demand for vibrant, high-quality Marigolds.
PanAmerican Seed’s African Marigold assortment offers dependable performance and a range of colours to help you make the most of this important seasonal opportunity.
What is Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead?
This Mexican holiday “Day of the Dead,” known as Día de los Muertos, is a joyful time celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. This holiday is meant to honor and commemorate deceased loved ones by welcoming their spirits back for a temporary reunion. The celebration combines ancient Aztec traditions with Spanish Catholic influences and teaches that death is a natural part of the life cycle, fostering a belief that the living and the dead remain connected through memory and offerings.
The primary flower for Day of the Dead is the marigold, whose vibrant colour and strong scent are believed to guide spirits to the ofrenda or altar. Other flowers like carnations (representing unity) and white chrysanthemums (symbolizing peace) are also used on altars. Cockscombs and gladioli are also used for their symbolism and longevity in decorations and on graves.
Marigold Varieties from PanAmerican Seed
Here we have three traditional, standout African Marigold varieties for Day of the Dead celebrations.
- Taishan® – Features 20% shorter peduncles and 15% thicker stems to reduce stress and breakage, with reliable gold, yellow and orange blooms. Available colours: Gold, Orange, Yellow, and Mixture
- Lanna Lace – Creamy white blooms add a fresh, elegant complement to traditional Marigold colours with this award-winning variety.
- Marvell II™ – And improved intermediate series with earlier flowering, better branching and larger flowers. Available colours: Gold, Orange, Yellow, and Mixture
More Fall Flower Options
If you’re looking to grow other varieties to include in your Fall production plans, here are a few more Marigold options.
- Bonanza™ – Beautiful double-crested flowers – largest of any French Marigold. Available colours: Deep Orange, Flame, Bolero, Harmony, Gold, Bee, Yellow, and Mixture
- Janie – Great for warmer markets or for late season. Available colours: Deep Orange and Bright Yellow
- Fireball and Strawberry Blonde – Both varieties introduce germplasm never seen in African or French Marigolds, creating mulitcolour blooms on the same plant.
- Flamenco – Yellow centre and red-tipped petals create a beautiful contrast for any Day of the Dead celebration.
Place your order today! Contact your preferred supplier for these varieties from PanAmerican Seed.
