Growing Gem Series Signata Marigold Garden Seeds
- Taxonomy: Tagetes tenuifolia
- Other Names: Signet Marigold, Golden Marigold
- Seed Type: Annual
- Sow Indoors or Outdoors: Gem Series 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 7 – 14 days to germinate in full lighting. Signata marigolds are just as popularly grown indoors as they are outdoors.
- Days to Maturity: 63 – 77 days
- Hardiness Zone: 2 – 11
- Planting Depth: Plant 2 – 3 seeds ¼” deep
- Plant Spacing: 12”
- Growth Habit: dwarfed 9 – 12” tall shrubby upright with a dense 12” spread of lacy fern-like greens and tiny ½” blooms
- Soil Preference: Average, evenly moist, well-drained
- Light Preference: Full sun – Partial shade
- Diseases/Pests/Troubleshooting: Gem Series signata is a vigorous full sun performer native to Mexico and known to tolerate gardens prone to heat, drought, and clay soils. Plants must be properly drained and ventilated are may be susceptible to powdery mildew, root rot, leaf spots, and Botrytis. Marigold has no serious pests but monitor regularly for spider mites and thrips.
- Color: Lemon and Mix
- Flavor: Used primarily as a food dye for vibrant coloring, dried marigold will have a hint of spicy or citrus notes
Gem Series signata 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 7 – 14 days to germinate in full lighting. Signata marigolds are just as popularly grown indoors as they are outdoors. Plant 2 – 3 Gem Series marigold seeds ¼” deep and 12” apart in average, evenly moist, and well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Signata is a vigorous full sun performer native to Mexico and known to tolerate gardens prone to heat, drought, and clay soils. Plants must be properly drained and ventilated are may be susceptible to powdery mildew, root rot, leaf spots, and Botrytis. Marigold has no serious pests but monitor regularly for spider mites and thrips. Gem Series signata marigold seeds mature in 63 – 77 days as dwarfed 9 – 12” tall shrubby upright with a dense 12” spread of lacy fern-like greens and tiny ½” blooms.
Tagetes tenuifolia, or more commonly known as Signet Marigold, is a unique twist to the common marigold. Tagetes tenuifolia is native to most of Mexico and Central America and found in many part of Colombia and Peru. Marigold has been used for thousands of years by pre-Spanish civilizations in medicine, food, dyes, and ritual.