Tag: mystery seed (Page 62 of 83)

Seed of the Week: Marigold

Our mystery seeds from last week come from a plant that probably most people will recognize.

They are from the common marigold, species in the genus Tagetes. The most common form, Tagetes erecta, is from Central and South America, although sometimes it is mistakenly called “African marigold.”

The flowers are generally in the yellow, orange and red range of the color spectrum.

The leaves are deeply in cut, giving a lacy appearance.

They also have a distinctive fragrance.

Did you grow any marigolds this year? Take your children out and see if your marigolds have any seeds. Let us know what you find.

Seed of the Week: Snapdragon Vine

Our mystery seeds from last week faintly resemble caterpillar droppings.

They are seeds, however, and grow into a plant called a snapdragon vine, Maurandya antirrhiniflora.

Snapdragon vines are delicate twining plants with magenta, fuschia, or even dark purple flowers. They get their name from the fact the flowers resemble snapdragons.

The vines are native to the Southwest.

The leaves are triangular, almost arrowhead shaped.

Snapdragon vines grow well with a trellis or other support, or trailing from a hanging basket.

The best part is that the plants form seed capsules and then readily reseed, ensuring many years of viewing pleasure.

Who would have thought such unattractive seeds could become such a lovely plants?

Have you ever grown snapdragon vines?

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