Growing Vanilla Marigold Garden Seeds

Vanilla marigold is a hardy full sun performer and most commonly sown directly after the frost but, for earliest blooms, begin seeds 6 " 8 weeks indoors prior to the frost. Marigolds will take 14 " 21 days to germinate in full lighting. Plants may require early staking since blooming heads may grow to be too heavy and cause stress to the plant if not supported. Plant 2 " 3 Vanilla marigold seeds ¼" deep and 9" apart in average, evenly moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Vanilla marigold is a vigorous full sun performer native to Mexico and known to tolerate gardens prone to heat, drought, and clay soils. Do not overwater since marigolds will perform poorly in oversaturated gardens which can lead to powdery mildew, root rot, leaf spots, and Botrytis. Marigold has no serious pests but monitor regularly for spider mites and thrips. Vanilla marigold seeds mature in 77 " 84 days as 12 " 18" tall bushy uprights with a 9 " 12" spread of dense 2 " 3" fully-double marigold blooms.

Tagetes erecta, or more commonly known as Aztec Marigold, is one of the most awarded, recognized, and cultivated flowers in the entire world. Tagetes erecta is native to Mexico, (specifically its states of Mexico, Puebla, and Veracruz) despite having a variety of names including African Marigold or American Marigold. Marigold has been used for thousands of years by pre-Spanish civilizations in medicine, food, dyes, and ritual.