Tagetes tenuifolia (Signet Marigold)

Tagetes tenuifolia or Signet Marigold is a showy, single-flowered Marigold featuring small but extremely abundant richly colored blossoms which generously cover the finely divided lacy foliage. Compact and bushy, this annual plant will reward you with season-long blooms, from early summer until frost, that will command attention in any landscape. Did you know that both flowers and foliage are fragrant? You will love running your fingers through them as you walk by to release their lemony fragrance!

• Signet Marigolds are excellent additions to the landscape as bedding or edging plants at the front of the border or in containers on the deck or patio. And don’t forget the herb garden or kitchen garden as the flower of this Marigold is edible. Mix the petals in salads, or in teas, and enjoy!
• Vigorously growing up to 12 in. high and across (30 cm), Signet Marigold is easy to grow and low maintenance. Add this charming and graceful plant to the garden, and you will be rewarded with abundant happy butterflies!
• Performs best in full sun, in average, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Light shade is tolerated in hot summer areas. Rich, fertile soils are not recommended as they may make your Marigolds weak, and floppy and reduce blooming. Deer and rabbit resistant, drought tolerant!
• May be grown from seeds or live plants. Sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed or indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last spring frost date.
• Pinching off dead blossoms will promote continuous blooming. Blooming might decrease in the heat of summer but will resume once temperatures cool.
• The most popular Signet Marigold varieties are:
  Marigold ‘Lemon Gem’ – 6-12 in. tall, single yellow flowers
  Marigold ‘Tangerine Gem’ – 6-12 in. tall, single orange flowers
  Marigold ‘Red Gem’ – 6-12 in. tall, single crimson flowers
  Marigold ‘Starfire’ – 12 in. tall, Brilliant colors ranging from light yellow to red brown and from single-colored to delicately marked.