This compact, easy-care annual gives you months of colorful bloom.
Perhaps the least well-knowntype of marigold, signet marigold combines vibrant color and compactness.
It is just as easy to grow from seed and as long-flowering as the more common large marigold.
Add this little wonder to containers or garden planting beds for months of easy-care color.
Signet marigolds are also great companion planting because they wont shade anything out.
The plant is mildly toxic to humans and pets.
There are hundreds of landscape uses for this petite plant.
Edge a narrow walkway with the bright blossoms of Signet marigold.
Add several plants to a window box for ever-present color right outside your window.
Pair it withAfricanandFrench marigoldsfor a show of color from early summer until the first frost.
Add a group of nectar-rich signets to a garden bed to attract butterflies.
Or make signet marigolds part of adeer- and rabbit-resistant container garden.
Plant seeds 1 inch apart in a container of well-drained seed starting mix.
Plant seeds 14 inch deep and keep the soil moist until you are ready to transplant them outside.
Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart and plant them 14 inch deep.
Thin or transplant seedlings 8 to 12 inches apart.
Light
The plant needs at least 6 hours of full sun every day.
After the plant is established, it tolerates periods of drought.
However, for the best bloom, it should be watered regularly in the absence of rain.
Temperature and Humidity
Like all marigolds, signet marigolds require warm weather and thrive in heat.
The plants are not bothered by high humidity.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing is not necessaryin-ground plants in rich, fertile soil are usually fine without it.
Potting and Repotting Signet Marigold
Because of their compact size, signet marigolds make excellent container plants.
verify the container has large drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting mix.
Repotting is not necessary as the plants conclude their life cycle with the first fall frosts.
Other potential pests include tarnished plant bugs, leafhoppers, leafminers, and slugs.
Possible plant diseases are botrytis blight, which occurs especially in wet weather, and leaf spots.
Removing infected plant parts often helps to contain them.
How to Propagate Signet Marigold
Signetmarigolds are propagated from seedas described in the planting instructions above.
The compact, 12-inch mound-forming plant is a good choice for containers andhanging baskets.
It is covered withlots of brilliant, almost glowing yellow flowers all summer.
The flowers have a citrusscent.
The plant produces tons of single blooms with a plant height of about 10 inches.
It produces anabundance of crimson-colored flowers.
The compact plants reach only 6 to 12 inches in height and the lacy foliage has a citrus scent.
Just like signet marigolds, they are able to handle periods of drought.
Nasturtium
Nasturtiumis a fast-growing annual with pretty, lotus-like leaves.
Some varieties have variegated leaves marked with white or cream.
Cultivars are mounding, some are trailing, and others are climbers.
The edible flowers come in a range of warm colors from creamy yellow to bright red.
It is a day-sensitive plant that blooms best in late summer when the days get shorter.
Frequently Asked Questions
The plant is native to Mexico, Central America, Columbia, and Peru.
It was introduced to North America as early as 1798 under the name Mexican marigold.
Most gardeners grow signet marigolds as annuals.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Tagetes tenufolia.North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
