MEXICAN MAGIC
I had a lovely day as part of the Gardener’s Question Time panel in Cardiff last week. Joining Radio 2’s Terry Walton, rose expert Gareth Davies and garden centre owner Reg Moule on the panel, we had some great questions to answer (see pic right).
And the best thing about those ‘do’s’ is that I learn a lot too.
Last week I learned (thanks to Reg) that there is actually a plant that will keep ground elder at bay. Honestly!
As the Question Time was held on Friday the 13th and it was also the night of the full Harvest Moon, I did wonder if it was all a bit of hocus pocus as the plant does ‘read’ to be a bit ‘magical’.
Tagetes minuta is an extraordinary plant that isn’t much of a looker but is promoted for the roots ability to kill perennial weeds. Even Sarah Raven claims that it cleared a bed of ground elder and bindweed at her garden, Perch Hill.
I’m not sure if it will manage tame my jungle, but it is definitely worth trying.
The half hardy annual is commonly known as the Mexican Marigold and will enjoy full sun, partial sun and shade.
It will reach an impressive 6ft (or more), which will add impact and interest to the backs of borders too. Flowers are late and insignificant but that is a good thing, as the frosts tend to kill it before it goes to seed.
As it flowers earlier in Mexico, and therefore self seeds, it is considered to be a nuisance. I guess it’s all relative – maybe they haven’t experienced ground elder.
The best way to cultivate is to sow in March through to May under cover. Plant out after last frosts in perennial weed infested beds.
And if that’s not magical enough, it helps protect potatoes from eelworm, the dried leaves are used as an edible herb with an apple flavour, and it also has medicinal properties.
Nicky’s Nursery describes it as, ‘A tall culinary, medicinal herb and weed killer, companion plant, and effective insecticide.
An essential oil is produced from the plant that is used in flavouring various food stuffs. The dried leaves of Mexican Marigold are used as a tea and also in cooking they give an apple like aroma to foods.’
But Simpson’s Seeds warn, ‘It grows enormous and can easily reach 8 ft. Flowers are late and insignificant. It can be difficult to germinate.’
Further research revealed that apparently the leaves can cause a rash in some people, and of course I doubt that it can differentiate between invasive perennial weeds and your cherished herbaceous plants, so bear that in mind when introducing to beds and borders.