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Marigold - Signet 'Lemon Gem'
Marigold - Signet 'Lemon Gem'
Seed Packet

Marigold - Signet 'Lemon Gem'

Tagetes tenuifolia
Also known as Mexican marigold, Tagetes tenuifolia wandered south to Central America and Columbia. Corralled and planted into flower gardens up north by 1798, it is still cultivated today for its feathery, citrus-scented mounded foliage studded with masses of tiny lemon-yellow single flowers. Pull a few edible petals and sprinkle on salads to add color and a bit of spicy flavor.
SKU #S548
$3.25
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
240
Lifecycle
Annual
Annual Hardiness
Half Hardy Annual
Mature Size
1' h x 6-10" w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Regular to rich, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Lemon yellow
Features
Scented Leaves
Great for containers
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Heat or Drought Tolerant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Beneficial Insects
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Just cover
Sprout Time:
4-14 days
Seed To Bloom:
8-10 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Sow 6-8 weeks before last frost. Sow seeds thinly and keep at 65-75°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow after last frost.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After last frost
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Signet marigold is a cutie-pie and a powerhouse bloomer that edges borders and fills containers with bright flowers and delicate foliage. Stake early with short, twiggy brush to give some support in richer soils, and they will reward you with perfect mounds of bloom in summer. In addition, they attract beneficial ladybugs and hoverflies into vegetable gardens. Pinch when seedlings reach about 4" tall to encourage bushiness. Deadhead or shear lightly for new waves of bloom. The edible petals are flavored of tarragon with a spicy kick. Pinch off the white part that joins the stem, as it tends towards bitterness. People with floral allergies should be cautious.
Final Spacing:
6-8"
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
About 1" per week, though it will tolerate some drought once established.
Soil pH:
Prefers slightly acidic to neutral.
Fertilizer:
Mix in about an inch or two of compost or some organic granular fertilizer when transplanting. Flowers well with little added fertilizer, too much and foliage will be lush and flowers less abundant.
Diseases & Pests:
Be sure to space properly to avoid fungal issues such as botrytis. If insects such as spider mites, aphids, thrips, or whiteflies are an issue, treat with an insecticidal soap.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when fowers are fully open.