Photo: "Tagetes tenuifolia" by Goku122 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Signet marigold · Edible-marigold

Signet marigold edible flowers

Annual · Asteraceae

Lemon Gem signet marigold is the culinary marigold, grown for small bright flowers with a true citrusy flavor and fine ferny foliage. It is different from the heavier-scented French marigolds often used as companions, and it works well both as an edible garnish and as an insect-friendly border flower. It suits gardeners who want an easy edible flower with real flavor rather than just color.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

60–65 days

Sun

6+ hours

full sun to light afternoon shade

Spacing

6–12 "

Seed Start

0 weeks

before transplant

Container

Yes

2+ gallon pot

Height

0.5–3 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 5–14 days

Optimal Temp 72°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Watering

Weekly Water 0.75–1.25 "

Needs Moderate

Method Base watering

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Soil Type Average to moderately fertile, well-drained soil; most of these crops do not need rich feeding.

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: Moderate Drought: Moderate

Common Problems

damping-off

Cause: Cold, wet seedbeds or overly dense sowing can kill seedlings.

Prevention: Use clean seed, shallow sowing, and thin dense stands.

powdery-mildew

Cause: Late-season humidity can coat foliage and blooms.

Prevention: Improve airflow and avoid crowding.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Harvest

Harvest blooms when fully open, dry, and free of spray residue.

Expected Yield 0.25–1 lbs/plant

Storage 5 days — Refrigerate gently in a lined container and use quickly.

Sources

seed_catalog Johnny's Selected Seeds seed_catalog University of Minnesota Extension university Extension source

Signet marigold edible flowers Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Signet marigold edible flowers vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

Ready to grow Signet Marigold?

Get a personalized planting schedule based on your exact zone with frost dates, task reminders, and feeding plans.

Start Your Garden Plan