Every year, as the Day of the Dead season approaches, the streets of Mexico are filled with the unmistakable fragrance and characteristic color of the cempasúchil flower. Homes are no exception, as this traditional flower is one of the main elements of the altars set up in honor of the dearly departed.

Although the cempasúchil is a flower native to Mexico and holds great cultural significance, our country has long ceased to be one of the main producers of cempasúchil flowers. Currently, China is the largest producer of cempasúchil worldwide, as reported by UNAM.

If you want to support Mexican cempasúchil flower producers, kiwilimón shares the characteristics of both species of cempasúchil so you can differentiate the Mexican from the Chinese.



What is the cempasúchil flower?
The cempasúchil is a flower with yellow and orange hues that is an essential part of Mexican culture due to its symbolism related to the Day of the Dead. Its name comes from the Nahuatl Cempohualxochitl where cempohualli means "twenty" and xochitl "flowers," that is, flower of twenty flowers or several flowers, as noted by the Secretariat of the Environment (SEDEMA) of Mexico City.

This plant belongs to the genus Tagetes, which consists of 55 species, 30 of which can be found in Mexico, but Tagetes erecta is the one most commonly used in our country and is what we see during the Day of the Dead season, as indicated by the National Ecology Institute (INECOL).

However, the use of the cempasúchil flower goes beyond ornamental purposes, as it has also been used for food and medicinal purposes. Currently, it has a high demand as a dye in both the food and textile industries, with China, India, and Peru being the main producers of cempasúchil for the industry.

What are the differences between Mexican cempasúchil and Chinese cempasúchil?
Although Mexican cempasúchil and the so-called Chinese marigold belong to the same genus, they are different species, so with attention, it is possible to differentiation. There are certain characteristics that can help you identify each one, according to different media outlets.

One of the main differences between Mexican cempasúchil and Chinese cempasúchil is the size. While the Mexican species can measure from 60 centimeters to 2 meters, the Chinese is much smaller.

On the other hand, due to its size, the marigold is sold in pots, while the Mexican cempasúchil is usually sold in bouquets. However, this characteristic may not be entirely decisive because some cultivation techniques in Mexico involve transferring the cempasúchil seedling to pots at a certain stage of its growth.

Another difference relates to the shape. Due to its characteristics, the Mexican cempasúchil flower has more variety in its shapes and sizes, while the Chinese species is completely homogeneous, almost perfect, as the plant has been modified and improved to make its flowers look like clones.

Regarding color and aroma, digital media report that the Chinese marigold has less intense scents compared to the Mexican cempasúchil. The same applies to the fragrance, in addition to the fact that the Chinese flower wilts faster and its seeds cannot germinate.

Where to buy Mexican cempasúchil flower?
A very simple way to support the production of Mexican cempasúchil is to buy directly from farmers or at traditional markets and fairs, rather than in supermarkets, where Chinese cempasúchil is more commonly found.

If you are in CDMX, you will be happy to know that the capital government organizes the Cempasúchil Fair. In previous years, this event has brought together producers from Xochimilco, Tláhuac, and Milpa Alta in Chapultepec Forest, Paseo de la Reforma, public markets, and shopping centers. This year, the Cempasúchil Fair will begin on October 22, and in the coming days, the capital government will share more details about the locations and schedules.

Another option is to visit the agro-tourism route Sin Cempoalxóchitl no hay Mictlán, which invites people to visit cempasúchil producers in Xochimilco to encourage direct purchases at nurseries. It will be open from October 19 to 31, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.