Tangerine Gem Marigold Seeds

Common Names
Tangerine Gem Marigold, Signet Marigold

Botanical Name
Tagetes tenuifolia (syn Tagetes signata)

Plant Family
Asteraceae (Daisy Family)

Native Range
Central and South America

Life Cycle
Annual

Hardiness Zone
2-11

Habit
1ft tall and wide. Fine lacy foliage. Small, cheerful, prolific flowers that are wonderfully tangerine-scented. Flowers are bright orange with yellow and keep producing through until frost.

Sun/Soil
Full sun, well-drained soil.

Germination/Sowing
Seeds germinate best when started in flats in the spring and then transplanted out once soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. 

Growing/Care
Deadhead plants for continuous blooms from early summer through fall time. Wonderful companions in the veggie garden to repel harmful nematodes and attract beneficial insects.

Harvesting
The aerial parts are harvested during the blooming period.

Culinary Uses
Edible flowers. Flowers are used as natural food colouring.

Medicinal Uses
Usefully medicinally as a digestive aid, diuretic, emmenagogue, and sedative. Relaxes the nervous system, and relieves anxiety and tension. Sacred herb of the Aztecs traditionally used in ceremony to produce mild euphoria and closed-eye visions.

Other Uses
Long lasting cut flower.

Produces a natural dye used in food and textiles.

Companion plant in veggie gardens to repel harmful pests and attract beneficials.

Themes
Apothecary Garden, Low Maintenance, Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Attracts Pollinators, Container Garden, Cut Flowers, Dye Plant.