Are you ready to test your green thumb? Join the Oakland Public Library's Cempasúchil (Marigold) Growing Contest in celebration of Día de los Muertos, hosted at the Golden Gate branch library.

What is Cempasúchil?

Cempasúchil (Sem-pa-soo-cheel), also known as marigolds, are vibrant orange and yellow flowers traditionally used in Día de los Muertos celebrations. The name cempasuchil comes from the Nahuatl word Cempaxochitl, and means flower of 20 petals; Cempoa meaning “twenty” and xochitl meaning “flower”. They symbolize the sun, guiding spirits back to the living world. Now’s your chance to grow your own!

Contest Details and rules:

How to Enter: Sign up required. Pick up your free Cempasúchil sprout kit from the Golden Gate branch starting 10/14/24. All ages welcomed. Limit one entry per person.
Supplies: Cempasúchil must be tagetes erecta (tallest Cempasúchil variety), which you can get at the Golden Gate Branch Library during the sign up window between 10/14/24-10/19/24 or while supplies last. Kit includes one Cempasúchil sprout, one planter pot, soil and instructions.
Grow Time: Plant your sprout in the provided plastic pot near any space that gets lots of sunlight. You'll have [6 weeks] to grow your best Cempasúchil flowers!
Submission: Regardless if your Cempasúchil has bloomed or not, bring your potted flower into the Golden Gate Branch Library meeting room for measurement through the week of 11/18/24-11/22/24 10AM-5PM & 11/23/24 11AM-1PM. Participants are encouraged to decorate their planter pots.
Judging and awards: Judging will be located in the meeting room downstairs at Golden Gate branch. Tallest Stem will be measured from the dirt line to the top of the bloom. Participants must bring their potted flowers to the branch. Winners will be announced Saturday 11/23/24 11AM-1PM. Participants may be asked to be photographed for publicity.

Prizes:

The three tallest Cempasúchil flowers will receive prizes: 1^st $50 home depot gift card; 2nd $30 home depot gift card; 3^rd $20 home depot gift card

Important Dates:

Sign up/sprout pickup starts: 10/15/24-10/19/24 10AM-5PM
Submissions due: 11/18/24-11/22/24 10AM-5PM & 11/23/24 11AM-1PM
Winners announced: 11/23/24 11AM-1PM

Tips for Growing Cempasúchil:

Sunshine: Cempasúchil love sunlight! Make sure to place them in a sunny spot.
Watering: Water your plants regularly, but don't overdo it. Keep the soil moist, not soggy or muddy.
Patience: Give your flowers time to bloom and enjoy watching them grow!

Why Participate?

Not only will you have beautiful Cempasúchil marigolds for your Día de los Muertos altar, but you'll also learn about gardening and connect with our community. Let's celebrate this beautiful tradition together!

Upcoming Activities with tag Flower Growing

Activities starting next Monday, 11/18/2024

Cempasúchil Growing Contest - Celebrate Día de los Muertos - Golden Gate Library