Marigold, Tangerine Gem (Organic)
Tagetes tenuifolia. 60-65 days.
Tiny, orange, edible, marigold flowers form on dwarf plants that do well in containers. A cheerful little bedding plant, looks great when planted densely. Blooms all summer long right up until frost, and is highly attractive to pollinators and other beneficial insects. Lovely citrusy scent is fun to experiment with in the kitchen, although flavor is on the spicy side, or simply use leaves or petals as a garnish. Signet type.
The current lot of this variety has fresh seed dormancy. Total Viability is printed on the seed packet and includes the germination percentage plus the dormant seed percentage as determined by an independent laboratory. Dormant seed is the portion of a seed sample that does not germinate during the short time period of the seed test, but is determined to be alive and respiring. Dormant seed is likely to germinate with longer germination times.
Sow shallowly in flats indoors in spring, 4-6 weeks before planting out. Transplant this tender annual to 12” centers when danger of frost has passed. May also be direct sown when soil is warm. Prefers full sun & well-drained soil. May self-seed.
Seed Saving
Collect seeds from seedheads that are fully dry. Thresh by hand or by dancing, screen to clean. Dry seeds completely before sealing in airtight container. Cross-pollination may occur; if saving seed, isolate from other varieties of the same species by 1/4 mile.
lakeladym (verified owner) –
Where did you grow this variety? Washington
These marigolds smell something like anise and clary sage. Not too sweet, but very strong. I’ve had to prune them back several times to keep them from crowding the plants in my raised beds, especially the ones that get more shade. They taste a little like orange peel and licorice. The ones that get the most sun started forming seeds in mid-August, but are still blooming profusely. I started seedlings on 4/25/26. For reference, the beds are 16″ high.
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