Marigolds thrive during season when others droop

As cooler weather and shorter days sap the flamboyance from most annuals, pot marigolds are more conspicuous, still chugging along and blooming as happily as ever. With dabs of orange and brown in their petals, pot marigolds look as at home among the rich colors of autumn as they did among the bright colors of summer.

Pot marigold also goes under other common names. One of them is calendula, the botanical name derived from the Latin calends, meaning "throughout the months." This name highlights the plant's ability to keep up its show right through frosty weather. In fact, pot marigold blooms throughout the year where winters are mild.

Pot marigold also has been simply called "marigold" or "marygold." All the old European references to "marigold" are about this plant rather than the common marigold, which came to Europe from the Americas. Europeans still prefer the pot marigold to the common marigold.

Nothing against common marigolds, but pot marigolds not only bloom over a longer season, but they also are easier to grow. The seeds are relatively large and germinate quickly. The plants seem to flourish equally well in warm, cool, wet, or dry seasons. Pot marigold also has no pest problems worth noting. Slugs -- so fond of common marigolds -- as well as rabbits, deer, insects, and diseases generally steer clear of pot marigolds.

Use pot marigold petals in the kitchen include chopping them up to sprinkle over an omelette.